By Sara Barnes on May 18, 2022

Did you catch the total lunar eclipse on May 15, 2022?

The Moon on the evening of May 15, 2022, was a spectacular sight. It wasn’t your typical showing of the celestial body; that night, the world witnessed a total lunar eclipse. Known as the Super Flower Blood Moon, it marked the longest total eclipse in 33 years and was totally visible in western Europe, Central and South America, most of North America, and much of Africa. The entire event lasted approximately five hours.

For about 85 minutes, the Moon was completely in Earth’s shadow. Instead of turning dark, however, it transformed into a reddish-orange orb—hence the name “Blood Moon.” This phenomenon occurs when sunlight shines onto Earth and passes through our atmosphere and then onto the Moon. (It’s also what gives sunsets that same deep color). As if the incredible hue wasn’t enough, the moon was also larger than we’re used to seeing. This is the “super” part of the Super Flower Blood Moon, in which the celestial body was at its closest point to Earth.[…]

Source: 15+ Most Spectacular Photos of Worldwide Total Lunar Eclipse