Is it an omen of foreboding? A symbol of change? An Easter message?

No, it's just a rare and striking astronomical event.

The blood moon is due on April 4. Credit:Noel Munford

This Saturday will see the moon turn red during a total lunar eclipse, when the moon passes directly into the earth's shadow.

QUT astrophysicist Dr Stephen Hughes said it was the third blood moon in a series of four such occurrences, collectively known as a tetrad.