What the total lunar eclipse looked like in North America, East Asia

A naga statue is silhouetted against the moon during a total lunar eclipse in front of the Chinese temple in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday.

A naga statue is silhouetted against the moon during a total lunar eclipse in front of the Chinese temple in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday. (Heng Sinith, Associated Press)


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SALT LAKE CITY — The second and final total lunar eclipse of the year graced the skies in some parts of the world Tuesday. The next one isn't until 2025.

Where was the lunar eclipse visible?

Where skies were clear, the eclipse was visible throughout North America in the predawn hours, with prime viewing in the West, and across parts of East Asia, Australia and the rest of the Pacific after sunset.

The moon rises behind a corner tower along the outer walls of the Forbidden City during a lunar eclipse in Beijing, Tuesday.
The moon rises behind a corner tower along the outer walls of the Forbidden City during a lunar eclipse in Beijing, Tuesday. (Photo: Mark Schiefelbein, Associated Press)

How long it did last?

The total phase of the eclipse lasted about 1½ hours. The whole show took about six hours from start to finish.

The earth's shadow covers the moon during a lunar eclipse in Metro Manila, Philippines, Tuesday.
The earth's shadow covers the moon during a lunar eclipse in Metro Manila, Philippines, Tuesday. (Photo: Aaron Favila, Associated Press)

Why do eclipses happen?

A total eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth and moon line up perfectly, casting Earth's shadow on the moon. The reddish-orange color is the result of sunlight scattering off Earth's atmosphere.

When is the next eclipse?

The next total lunar eclipse is in March 2025 but there will be be plenty of partial eclipses in the meantime.

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