Skywatchers across the UAE are in for a celestial treat this September, as the full moon—traditionally known as the Corn Moon—will appear with a striking reddish hue, earning it the nickname “Blood Moon.” The Corn Moon, which typically occurs in September, marks the time of the year when crops are harvested in the Northern Hemisphere.
The red tint that gives it the “Blood Moon” moniker occurs due to a natural optical phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering. As the moon rises low on the horizon, sunlight passes through more of the Earth’s atmosphere, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing longer red and orange wavelengths to dominate. The result is a vivid reddish-orange glow visible to the naked eye.
UAE residents are encouraged to step outside for an unobstructed view, ideally in areas away from city lights. Unlike a lunar eclipse, which can also produce a deep red hue, this Corn Moon’s reddish tint is purely due to atmospheric conditions, offering a spectacular, safe-to-watch display for casual stargazers and photography enthusiasts alike.
