The wait is nearly over! In just one week, skywatchers across North America will witness a spectacular total lunar eclipse, also known as a Blood Moon.

This will be the first total lunar eclipse since November 2022 and the first of three set to occur between 2025 and 2026.

During a total lunar eclipse, Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow over the lunar surface. As this happens, the moon takes on a reddish hue, earning it the name "Blood Moon." This effect occurs because Earth's atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths of sunlight while allowing longer wavelengths — red and orange light — to bend into Earth's shadow and illuminate the moon. It's the same phenomenon that gives sunrises and sunsets their rich colors.