The real color of the moon is gray, but at different times, it appears to change color from our perspective on Earth. When the moon takes on a red or pink hue, we call it a "blood moon," and a yellow or orange moon is often dubbed a "harvest moon." The rare super blue moon, however, isn't actually blue. Uncover the fascinating science behind the moon's ever-changing colors, from its inherent shade to how light and atmosphere transform its appearance.
The colors included several shades of gray, brown, red, yellow, orange, purple, and blue. However, just because the moon can appear in so many colors doesn't mean it actually changes color. The dozens of hues are caused by many different factors, including the time of day, the moon's position, and the particles surrounding the moon.
Earth's moon is often described in different colors thru out the year. Does the moon change into the color orange or pink or blue? This allows more of the shorter blue wavelengths of light to reach the moon, making it appear brighter and more white or bluish in color. Sunlight angle is one of the main factors that contribute to the various atmospheric effects that influence the moon's perceived color.
So what is the true color of the moon? The Moon's natural color does not change, but how we perceive it in the sky does. The perception of its color in our eyes is influenced by light viewed through the Earth's atmosphere. Despite our perceptions here on Earth, the Moon itself doesn't actually change colors and hasn't changed for hundreds or thousands of years.
Depending on the time of year, the Moon appears to be different colors in the night sky. Learn all about the Moon's colors and why it seems to change hues. At first glance, the moon looks simple, like a silvery-white body in space.
But, if you look closer, there's more to see. The moon doesn't make its own light; it reflects the sun's light. Its surface is mostly grey, like old asphalt, but it can change color for many reasons.
So, what are the colors of the moon? The moon's color can shift based on the rocks on its surface and the Earth. So what color is moonlight and why does it sometimes transform into different colors, at least from Earth's perspective? The answer has to do with how much of this reflected light reaches us on Earth.