![Blood moon lunar eclipse 2014](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/blood-moon-lunar-eclipse-20141.gif?w=2400&quality=85)
By Alex Fitzpatrick and TIME Photo
For those who were able to see it in person, Wednesday morning’s Blood Moon lunar eclipse didn’t disappoint as skywatchers spotted Earth’s always-orbiting pal turn a deep shade of red.
Why that color? During a Blood Moon lunar eclipse, Earth gets between the Sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. The red color comes as Earth’s atmosphere scatters the sunlight, stripping away blue light and leaving behind the red to reach the moon’s surface.
If you missed Wednesday’s Blood Moon — the second of the year and fourth lunar eclipse — check it out here in a single GIF. Then check out past Blood Moons, too.
See the Best Photos of the Blood Moon
![Total lunar eclipse from Kathmandu The moon during a total lunar eclipse from Kathmandu on Oct. 8, 2014.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/blood-moon-lunar-eclipse-2014.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![CHINA-BLOOD MOON (CN) Blood Moon China](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/blood-moon-3.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![JAPAN-LUNAR-ECLIPSE The moon during a total lunar eclipse behind a ferris wheel in Tokyo, on Oct. 8, 2014.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/blood-moon-lunar-eclipse-2014-06.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![The moon turns orange during a total lunar eclipse behind the CN Tower and the skyline during moonset in Toronto The moon during a total lunar eclipse behind the CN Tower and the skyline of Toronto on Oct. 8, 2014.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/blood-moon-lunar-eclipse-2014-03.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Total Lunar Eclipse "Blood Moon" Over Las Vegas The moon during a total lunar eclipse above the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas on Oct. 8, 2014.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/blood-moon-lunar-eclipse-2014-04.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Total lunar eclipse provides "Blood Moon" feast in the skies over China Blood Moon China](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/blood-moon-2.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Total lunar eclipse provides "Blood Moon" feast in the skies over China Blood Moon China](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/blood-moon-1.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Australia Lunar Eclipse The moon during a total lunar eclipse over Sydney, on Oct. 8, 2014.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/blood-moon-lunar-eclipse-2014-05.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Why Biden Dropped Out
- Ukraine’s Plan to Survive Trump
- The Rise of a New Kind of Parenting Guru
- The Chaos and Commotion of the RNC in Photos
- Why We All Have a Stake in Twisters’ Success
- 8 Eating Habits That Actually Improve Your Sleep
- Welcome to the Noah Lyles Olympics
- Get Our Paris Olympics Newsletter in Your Inbox
Contact us at letters@time.com