Many across the globe were given a celestial treat during the early morning of Tuesday, Nov. 8. This is the last total lunar eclipse until 2025 and has been dubbed the “Beaver Blood Moon.” It began its penumbral phase around 3 a.m. It was visible across the entire country.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth, the moon and the sun are in exact alignment with each other, with the moon being directly behind Earth. This cosmic event only happens once every two and a half years.
The partial eclipse began just past 4 a.m. During this phase of the eclipse, the moon would slowly enter Earth’s shadow, gradually growing darker until totality — when the Moon is completely shadowed — begins.
Totality began at 5:15 a.m. At this time, the moon was a deep red color; however, this was not the only color seen. Others colors such as grey and copper were observed during the full eclipse phase. Part of the moon was also much lighter than the rest.
The full eclipse lasted for over an hour until it finally ended near 7 a.m. When the final partial eclipse phase ended, it was not visible in Shippensburg anymore as it was below the horizon.
The next total lunar eclipse will occur on March 14, 2025.
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