Red moon appears over Hechi, citizens rush to record

Early this morning, Hechi's sky was illuminated by a rare total lunar eclipse, turning the moon a mysterious red. Citizens stopped to look up, and social media was filled with photos of the "red moon".

Red moon adds a unique charm to Hechi's nights. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

During a total lunar eclipse, a captivating phenomenon known as the "red moon" occurs, offering a spectacular visual display. This event transpires when the Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, resulting in a precise alignment.

During this alignment, sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere, which acts as a filter. The Earth's atmosphere scatters the shorter wavelengths of light less, allowing them to pass through with less scattering. As a result, only these longer wavelengths reach the Moon, bathing it in a coppery-red. 

By Sunday evening, many residents, forewarned made preparations to observe the spectacle. Public spaces such as Hechi Garden Expo Park and Cultural Square became bustling hubs of activity, attracting large crowds eager to witness the phenomenon.

A Hechi citizen surnamed Huang, along with his family, expressed their enthusiasm, saying, "We brought our kid here specifically to witness this remarkable event." Families and astronomy enthusiasts gathered in these open areas, each equipped with cameras and telescopes.

Huang's child carefully records changes in the night sky. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

Photographers set up their tripods and adjust their cameras to find the optimal angles for capturing the moon's radiant glow against the stunning backdrop of Hechi's nightscape.

Meanwhile, groups of enthusiastic observers and documentarians spread out across different vantage points, capturing and documenting the celestial beauty and intricate details of the night sky from various perspectives.

Photography enthusiasts form teams to capture the red moon from multiple angles. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

Although lunar eclipses are not an infrequent occurrence, achieving a clear view of such celestial events remains quite rare due to atmospheric conditions. On this occasion, Hechi's sky was remarkably free of clouds, and the high air transparency created ideal conditions for observing the phenomenon.

One citizen shared their experience online, saying, "Seeing it from my balcony is amazing," echoing widespread awe at witnessing such a stunning natural spectacle under optimal viewing conditions.

The recent eclipse requires precise alignment of the sun, Earth, and moon. From 8 pm, social media platforms were abuzz with imagery and commentary about the event, with many users referring to the phenomenon as a red moon.

Citizens share their photos of the red moon on social media. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

Besides its stunning appearance, the event sparked interest in the cosmos, filling residents with awe.