On the morning of March 3rd, we are in for a celestial treat. A rare Blood Moon will peak here in Lubbock at 7:17 AM, but what will it look like for us?
The Blood Moon In Lubbock
Folks on the West Coast of the U.S. will get to see a total lunar eclipse; however, those of us in West Texas will see a partial one. It will look like a reddish “bite” was taken out of the bright, full moon. In other words, it will look very spooky and cool, and I’m here for it. The Blood Moon only happens once every one to three years, so make sure you see it if you can.
Read More: Why Chain Restaurants Fall Short In Lubbock Dining Experience
Lubbock Loves A Blood Moon
For the past twenty years, Lubbock has been home to Blood Moon Manor, the flagship haunted attraction at Nightmare on 19th Street. The massive haunted house blends spooky Victorian haunted rooms, a New Orleans cemetery, an industrial grinder area, and many other frightening elements to create an immersive and memorable experience.
Read More: The Rising Threat Of Feral Hogs In Texas Explained
Blood Moon In Folklore
The blood moon was a folkloric element in many ancient cultures worldwide.
The Inca believed the lunar eclipse meant that Mama Quilla, the moon goddess, was being attacked by a jaguar. Mesopotamians also feared the moon was being attacked, and would hide away their king for fear he should be attacked too. Some North American tribes also believed the moon was wounded at this time.
In India, the blood moon was seen as a bad omen, so food and drink were covered so the moon would not contaminate it. Pregnant women did not eat during that time for fear it could harm the baby.
Some African cultures believed it was an argument between the sun and the moon, getting closer to the actual astronomy of the event, when the Earth passes directly between these two.
The Christian Bible references the Blood moon, too: “the Sun will turn into darkness, and the Moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.”
Bad omen or rare celestial sighting? I’ll let you decide.
Lubbock’s Most Extreme Weather Records
A look at the most extreme weather records Lubbock has set.
Gallery Credit: Renee Raven