Red Moon from Wildfire Smoke: A Fiery Celestial Spectacle

Sometimes, the most unexpected events can lead to the most beautiful sights. The recent widespread wildfires, while a serious concern, have gifted us with an extraordinary celestial display: a moon painted in hues of vivid red.

This stunning image was captured from Canada, where the air has been hazy from wildfire smoke. The smoke particles in the atmosphere scatter sunlight, with longer wavelengths (reds and oranges) passing through more effectively. This phenomenon, also seen during sunsets and sunrises, is what gives our lunar companion its fiery appearance.

The photographer, using a phone and a Virtuoso GTI 150p telescope (as a DSLR was unavailable), managed to capture this raw, unprocessed video file. The results are a testament to the power of natural light scattering, turning a familiar celestial body into something truly otherworldly. Observers in Ontario have also reported similar experiences, noting the visible smoke in the air contributing to the moon's altered color.

While we hope for the swift containment of these wildfires, it's moments like these that remind us of the dramatic and often beautiful interplay between Earth's atmosphere and the cosmos above.