A RARE SIGHT
It was a rare event - a total lunar eclipse. The moon totally disappeared from sight in North and South America on April 15, 2014. It was the first such eclipse since December 2011 and millions of people stayed up to watch the 3-hour spectacular event happen right in front of their own eyes.
The full moon is its usual colour on the left and reddish on the right. The moon turns a reddish colour in the earth's shadow during an eclipse. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA
During the total lunar eclipse, the moon passed directly behind Earth, completely into Earth's shadow, blocked from the sun. Skywatchers in other parts of the world were unable to witness the eclipse, but they were treated to a rare sight as well. The moon glowed orange, red and brown - an event called 'blood moon'.
Why does the moon change its colour during an eclipse?
When it moves behind Earth, sunlight is blocked from reflecting off the moon's surface. Instead, sunlight passes through the earth's atmosphere and makes the moon appear a reddish colour. The shade of the reddish colour depends mainly on the amount of volcanic ash and other particles floating in the atmosphere.
From left to right, this was how the moon looked before, during and after the total eclipse over southern California, USA on April 15, 2014. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR
Did you watch the eclipse while it happened? In your part of the world, did the moon disappear or did it change colour? Share your experience with us by writing about it in the box below and clicking on "Submit Comment".
The moon moves out of a lunar eclipse over southern California, USA early on April 15, 2014. At this point, the eclipse is coming to an end. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMAR
Featured image: This was how the moon appeared during various phases at the beginning, middle and end of a total lunar eclipse April 15, 2014 as seen from New Mexico, USA. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA
