Moonrise Colored by Wildfire Smoke: A Fiery Celestial Spectacle

Tonight, from the vantage point of Southern California, the moon graced us with a breathtaking rise, but with a twist. The familiar lunar orb was dramatically re-colored, painted in hues of orange and red by the lingering smoke from recent wildfires.

This stunning image was captured around 8:25 pm Pacific Time. The photograph was taken using a Pixel 8 Pro, and subsequently cropped and slightly filtered to enhance the sharpness and bring out the intricate details of this atmospheric phenomenon.

The Science Behind the Spectacle

Wildfire smoke, composed of tiny particulate matter, acts as a natural filter in our atmosphere. When sunlight (or moonlight, in this case) passes through this smoky veil, shorter wavelengths of light, like blue and green, are scattered away. This leaves the longer wavelengths, such as yellow, orange, and red, to reach our eyes, imbuing the moon with its fiery appearance.

While wildfires are a serious concern, they can, in rare instances, create uniquely beautiful celestial displays like this one. It's a stark reminder of the powerful forces at play both in our environment and in the cosmos.

Have you ever witnessed a moonrise or sunrise colored by smoke or dust? Share your experiences in the comments below!