Dr. Julia V. SeidelLittle thread about the upcoming #lunarEclipse. Not only are they pretty, but because Earth is in a perfect size-distance relationship with the Sun and the Moon, light interacts with our own #atmosphere before it hits the #moon during a lunar eclipse. From that, we can deduce how Earth-like #life looks like when we observe other planets! #exoplanets #biosignatures #astronomy #astrodon
One of the most intriguing features of our atmospheres is the #redEdge a #spectral #infrared feature produced by the #photosynthesis of plant life.
In fact, this red edge is so pronounced, that we can observe it clearly when comparing moon #observations of reflected #Earth light between the reflection of the Amazon and the #Pacific. Also, the red edge of the #Amazon has decreased over the last decades. Our cosmic thumb print is changing due to the #climateBreakdown. So look up at the #LunarEclipse tonight and get involved for the Climate. There is #noPlanetB! #climateChange #climateEmergency #Astro4Earth
GC@JuliaVSeidel Hello, sorry to intrude on your interesting thread but could I ask you a question about the #eclipse?
What would it have looked like from the #moon? I understand it would be the equivalent of an Earth #solar eclipse but how would have Earth's #atmosphere made a difference. I guess, from the reflected red light we saw last night in Sydney, it would have been pretty colourful from the moon and it would have lasted a relatively long time.
@gc That's such a fun question! So it would look basically like a solar eclipse looks for us, but there would be refraction from the Earth's atmosphere and basically like during a sunset you'd get a red hue for the light around the Earth. I hope we get a lunar telescope at some point to capture that picture, it must be awesome!
@JuliaVSeidel thanks so much for your response. I agree, it would be a very awesome sight indeed. Being on the lunar telescope!