The September 27, 2015 Total Lunar Eclipse was the grand finale in a series of four total lunar eclipses called the lunar tetrad. The first three eclipses of the tetrad took place on April 15, 2014, October 8, 2014 and on April 4, 2015. The effect happens when the shadow of the Earth passes over a Full Moon and the Sun’s rays are bent through the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a red reflection on the moon’s surface.*
Oddly, these dates coincide with four recent Jewish lunar calendar festivals: twice on Passover (in the Spring) and twice on Succoth (Fall). Some Christians believe this to be a literal fulfilment of an ancient prophesy:
“The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.” (Joel 2:31)
Regardless of where we stand on that matter, it is probably good to remember to keep short accounts and enjoy the view.
