In a lunar eclipse, the Earth's shadow — called the umbra — blocks the sun's light from hitting the full moon, resulting in a dimmer moon with a distinct red and orange cast. It's also called a blood moon.

According to Dr. Angela Speck, a professor of astrophysics and department chair for physics and astronomy at The University of Texas at San Antonio, the "blood moon" total lunar eclipse was visible across the U.S. and no special equipment was necessary to view it.

During the eclipse, the Earth passed between the sun and moon, blocking light from hitting the lunar surface, making the moon darker than usual. The moon turned a red hue, becoming a “blood moon,” due to the sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching its surface.