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.

Officially known as a total lunar eclipse, the phenomenon occurs when the Earth casts its shadow across the moon, turning it a rusty shade of red. In Portland, a partial eclipse began around 10 p.m. Thursday, reaching totality for about an hour before 12:30 a.m. But in classic Pacific Northwest style, cloudy skies demanded all the attention.

Clouds drifted in and out of the D.C. area before dawn Friday, offering enough open sky for photographers around the region to capture views of the total lunar eclipse. The spectacle began at 11:57 p.

The first total lunar eclipse in more than two years lit up the sky last night as humanity, forever fascinated with the Earth’s only natural satellite, watched.

For the first time since 2022, skygazers on Thursday night were treated with a total lunar eclipse, which turned the moon into a visible glowing red orb, often called a "Blood Moon." But thanks to cloudy skies and the need for sleep,

Thursday night into early Friday morning was the first of two celestial features this March, with a full “blood moon” lunar eclipse being visible in the night sky. Between 2:26 a.m. to 3:31 a.m. ET the eclipse was at its peak for viewing in New England.

Pictures of last night's "Blood Worm Moon," a total lunar eclipse, show the full moon looking red in the night sky.