Projects: Lunar Eclipse over Arabia

On June 15, 2011, the Earth passed directly inbetween the moon and the sun resulting in the longest eclipse in a decade on record lasting almost 100 minutes. The eclipse was visible in Asia, North Africa, and South America. As part of the eclipse when direct light from the sun is blocked by Earth the moon turns blood red.

"During a total lunar eclipse, Earth blocks the pure white, direct light from the sun. But some indirect light passing through Earth's atmosphere still manages to reach the moon.

Since dust and gases in Earth's atmosphere filter blue wavelengths from sunlight, the remaining light is reddened. The moon will therefore appear to change from brilliant silver to between bright orange and blood red during a lunar eclipse." - Andrew Fazekas - National Geographic