Cool Moon Facts by Whip

Real astronomy, with sources. Folklore & tradition.

Fact #035 Observing

A low Moon looks orange for the same reason a low Sun does: you're looking through a lot more atmosphere.

Near the horizon the light path through the air is many times longer than overhead. Air scatters blue light away most efficiently, so what reaches you is weighted toward red and orange. Smoke and dust exaggerate it, which is why wildfire seasons produce spectacular Moons.

Source: NASA Moon observing (opens in a new tab) · checked Aug 2026

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