Arts & Culture/Jackalope Ranch
Photos Capture Phoenix’s Stunning Views of the Total Lunar Eclipse

If you weren’t outside and staring at the sky last night, you missed an extraordinary sight: a total lunar eclipse that turned the moon into a stunning “blood moon.” It was the first total lunar eclipse visible over North America since 2022, causing the moon’s surface to glow with crimson light.
The celestial event captivated stargazers across the continent. Many gathered in parks and open spaces, hoping to witness this rare phenomenon. Astronomers noted that the total eclipse lasted several hours, providing ample time for onlookers to take in the beauty of this natural spectacle.
During the eclipse, the Earth’s shadow completely covered the moon, resulting in its eerie red hue. Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, blocking sunlight. The light that does reach the moon has to pass through the Earth’s atmosphere, which scatters shorter wavelengths and allows longer wavelengths, like red, to dominate.
This celestial phenomenon not only thrilled amateurs and seasoned astronomers but also sparked interest in lunar studies. Organizations encouraged the public to engage with astronomy, highlighting the significance of such events in understanding our universe.
As social media buzzed with photos and videos of the blood moon, many reflected on the sheer magnitude of space sciences. The excitement captured last night’s skywatching echoed a timeless connection humans have with celestial bodies, reminding us of the wonders above.