The Moon turned a deep red last night in Madrid due to the smoke from wildfires. This phenomenon, caused by Mie scattering, has led authorities to issue health recommendations.
Friday night offered an unusual sight in the Madrid sky. The Moon, instead of its usual silvery hue, appeared a deep red, a visual spectacle that puzzled many residents but has a direct scientific explanation: the smoke from the wildfires affecting the Community of Madrid and the province of Ávila.
Far from being an eclipse or an exceptional astronomical phenomenon, the cause is the enormous amount of suspended particles that have remained in the atmosphere. The smoke acts as a natural filter that disperses light, allowing reddish and orange tones to pass through more intensely.
This effect is known as Mie scattering, and it makes both the Moon and the Sun appear much redder than usual, especially when they are near the horizon. The higher the concentration of smoke in the air, the more intense this optical effect can become.
The thick smoke has also reduced visibility in many areas of the region and has covered a large part of the Madrid sky. The combination of smoke with the light of sunset and night has created striking images that many citizens shared on social media.
Experts remind us that this reddish colour does not indicate a change in the Moon, but is a direct consequence of the air pollution caused by the fires. Meanwhile, emergency teams continue to work to control the fires, the evolution of which will largely depend on weather conditions and, especially, wind in the coming hours.
In light of this situation, the Government Delegation in the Community of Madrid has published a series of recommendations on its X account to protect citizens' health. Among the main measures is to avoid outdoor exercise and consider wearing masks if going outside is necessary.
Air quality has been severely affected throughout the region, and similar conditions are expected to persist as long as the fires remain active. Residents of municipalities near the fire zones, especially in the Sierra de Madrid and the western metropolitan area, are the most exposed to the smoke.
Authorities recommend keeping windows closed and, if it is necessary to go out, using FFP2 masks or similar to reduce inhalation of particles. People with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases are also advised to take extra precautions and stay indoors.
The phenomenon of the red Moon could repeat in the coming nights if the smoke persists. Emergency services continue to work tirelessly to control the active hotspots, and more details about the evolution of the fires are expected in the coming hours.
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