Skip to Content
Fresh Hell

Blood Moon in Brooklyn, Reviewed

If a solar eclipse is somewhat terrifying—even other animals freak out!—a lunar eclipse is something more gentle. 

11:04 AM EST on November 8, 2022

The blood moon in a dark sky on November 8, 2022.

A total lunar eclipse aka the Blood Moon (NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio)

Around 5:15 a.m. this morning, I slipped on a robe and some sandals and made my way outside, to do what humans have been doing ever since we emerged out of the muck and developed both eyes and gods—look up at the sky at something extremely cool and go, "Wow."

The street was quiet and empty. Down the block, I could make out the outline of one other person doing exactly what I was: standing still, gazing up at a blush-red moon, its light dimmed but for one small crescent, visible in between the trees. 

If a solar eclipse is somewhat terrifying—even other animals freak out!—a lunar eclipse is something more gentle. 

The sky is dark (you're a bit sleepy anyway) and unlike a solar eclipse, which can feel like the very fabric of space and time is rupturing, all that happens is a gradual change in the color and intensity of the moon. How nice, like a soothing cup of tea you sip while contemplating the passage of time and your eventual death. 

I could wax on about how the brief moment of a lunar eclipse is a time to think about one's insignificance in the universe, or how I began humming the tune to Teresa Teng’s classic love song. But I was cold. (I should have put on some pants.) After a few minutes during which I squinted to notice any changes in the moon, I went back inside. My dog barked at me, a reminder to feed her. I checked the bin, only to belatedly remember I had run out of kibble the night before. It'd be an eggs and oatmeal day for the both of us. 

Already a user?Log in

Thanks for reading!

Give us your email address to keep reading two more articles for free

Subscribe to Hell Gate for just 69 cents!

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Hell Gate

In Another Secret Court Hearing, Adams Administration Again Asks to Wriggle Out of Right-to-Shelter Duties

And after a closed-door court conference on Tuesday, the presiding judge mysteriously recused herself from the case.

September 26, 2023

NYC’s Biggest Nonprofit Newsrooms Face Massive Layoffs, Salary Cuts

Mismanagement and an overreliance on megadonors leaves journalists paying the price.

September 26, 2023

New York’s Finest: Automate This

The NYPD robots are stupid and creepy, but at least a robot can't steal its ex-wife's car keys.

September 26, 2023

Eric Adams, Freemason

Nothing like some fraternity on a Tuesday.

September 26, 2023

They Want to Clean Up Their Block. The NYPD Won’t Give Them a Permit.

“There’s been violence, and I’m not comfortable shutting down any street in that neighborhood for a block party,” a local cop told the neighborhood group.

September 25, 2023
See all posts