Watch the ‘Blood Moon’ Total Lunar Eclipse

1 minute read
By Alex Rogers
Updated: | Originally published: ;

The shortest “blood moon” total lunar eclipse this century was observed by early-bird stargazers on Saturday morning.

At 6:16 a.m. EDT, the moon first entered the Earth’s shadow and was totally eclipsed for about five minutes beginning at 7:58 a.m., according to NASA. While the entire United States was able to see at least a partial eclipse, those west of the Mississippi River had the best views, uninterrupted by the sunrise.

This was the third lunar eclipse in a series of four known as a “tetrad,” following those in April and September last year. The final one of the series will occur on Sept. 28, 2015.

Want a primer on the “blood moon”? Read TIME Science Editor Jeffrey Kluger’s explanation of the phenomenon here.

See Photos of the Shortest Lunar Eclipse of the Century

The blood moon lunar eclipse sets behind Pikes Peak April 4, 2015 in Colorado Springs.
The blood moon lunar eclipse sets behind Pikes Peak April 4, 2015 in Colorado Springs.John Leyba—Denver Post/ Getty Images
The blood moon lights up the sky during a total lunar eclipse on April 4, 2015 in Auckland.
The blood moon lights up the sky during a total lunar eclipse on April 4, 2015 in Auckland.Phil Walter—Getty Images
The eclipse above cherry blossoms in Shiraishi city, Miyagi prefecture, Japan on April 4, 2015.
The eclipse above cherry blossoms in Shiraishi city, Miyagi prefecture, Japan on April 4, 2015.Kyodo News/AP
The lunar eclipse seen from Melbourne, Australia on April 4, 2015.
The lunar eclipse seen from Melbourne, Australia on April 4, 2015. David Crosling—EPA
The beginning of the total lunar eclipse seen from Canberra, Australia, on April 4, 2015.
The beginning of the total lunar eclipse seen from Canberra, Australia, on April 4, 2015.Luckas Coch—EPA

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