Total lunar eclipse: ‘Blood moon’ phenomenon dazzles skywatchers

A total lunar eclipse, where the moon appears to have a red tint, commonly referred to as a “blood moon,” was visible for the first time in a year Sunday night into Monday morning. 

The phenomenon is made possible when sunlight is filtered through the Earth’s atmosphere, giving the illusion that the moon glows red. 

The spectacle lasted about 90 minutes. It was one of the longest totalities of the decade. Observers in the eastern half of North America and all of Central and South America had prime seats for the show. It was also visible in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Alaska, Asia and Australia were unable to view the phenomenon.

NEW YORK, USA – MAY 15: The moon in eclipse on Sunday night from New York City, United States on May 15, 2022. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

NASA SCIENTISTS GROW PLANTS IN APOLLO LUNAR SOIL FOR THE FIRST TIME: ‘EVERYTHING SPROUTED!’

The blood moon is seen during a total lunar eclipse in Santiago, on May 15, 2022. (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP) (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP via Getty Images)

“This is really an eclipse for the Americas,” NASA’s Noah Petro, a planetary geologist who specializes in the moon, told the Associated Press. “It’s going to be a treat.”

The blood moon is seen during a total lunar eclipse in Buenos Aires, on May 16, 2022. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / AFP) (Photo by LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images)

Before the process begins, the Moon appears its normal color but soon enters its penumbra and umbra stages of the process — where it adopts a pinkish hue — before it turns a definitive red.

FIRST IMAGE OF BLACK HOLE AT CENTER OF MILKY WAY RELEASED BY ASTRONOMERS

“This is this gradual, slow, wonderful event that as long as it’s clear where you are, you get to…