A stunning total lunar eclipse, known as a “Blood Moon,” captivated skywatchers across the Americas and other parts of the world on Thursday night and early Friday morning. The celestial event, which hadn’t occurred since 2022, was visible across North and South America, Africa, Europe, Australia, Russia, and northern Japan.
Local photographer Sarah West captured the breathtaking moment with her camera, sharing her renewed passion for lunar photography after a break from capturing the moon. “I love documenting things like this for others to see the extraordinary detail of the incredible universe we are a part of,” West said.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting an shadow on the lunar surface. This phenomenon causes the Moon to appear red or reddish-brown due to Rayleigh scattering. No special equipment was needed to view last week’s Blood Moon.
Throughout history, civilizations have viewed and interpreted lunar eclipses for thousands of years. Historian Zoe Ortiz notes that ancient people had a “much brighter vision” of the celestial bodies than we do today. Aristotle observed the curved shadow cast on the moon during a lunar eclipse, proving the Earth is round.
The next total lunar eclipse is anticipated in March 2026.
Source: https://www.timesobserver.com/news/local-news/2025/03/so-breathtaking