The moon appeared to vanish and then take on a dramatic crimson color late Thursday night into early Friday as a total lunar eclipse, known as a blood moon, was visible across parts of the United States and elsewhere around the globe. As the eclipse moved toward totality and the shadow deepened, the moon displayed its signature reddish hue. The color comes from sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere, according to NASA. The agency explains that air molecules scatter out most of the blue light, leaving the remaining light to reflect onto the moon's surface with a red glow, making it appear crimson or ruddy brown. The more dust or clouds present in Earth's atmosphere during the eclipse, the redder the moon will appear, NASA added.
In New England, observers saw roughly 96 percent of the moon hidden in the Earth's umbral shadow, making the sight a rare wonder. However, clouds across much of that region blocked views for many skywatchers. Elsewhere, weather conditions cooperated for those hoping to see the event. The cosmic spectacle was also visible in South America, Europe, western Asia, Africa, and Antarctica.
This event marked the second lunar eclipse of the year. The previous one occurred on March 3. The next lunar eclipse will be a penumbral lunar eclipse in February 2027, during which the moon will pass through the faint, outer part of Earth's shadow, known as the penumbra. That type of eclipse produces a different, subtler effect than the dramatic blood moon.
The report was filed by Marianne Mizera, who can be reached by email and followed on social media.
