An orange moon isn't exceptionally rare, especially during a total lunar eclipse.
The color of the moon can change based on atmospheric conditions and its position relative to the horizon. However, the most notable cause of an orange moon is a lunar eclipse.
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During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon.
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The moon appears orange because the Earth's atmosphere scatters away most of the blue light, allowing only the redder wavelengths to reach the moon's surface.
According to the provided reference, a lunar eclipse, which can cause an orange moon, isn't as rare as a solar eclipse and can happen two or three times in a year. This means opportunities to see an orange moon can occur multiple times in a given year, if you know when and where to look.
In summary, while not an everyday occurrence, an orange moon due to a lunar eclipse is a relatively frequent astronomical event.
