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.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned directly between the moon and sun, blocking the sun's rays from the moon.

F or the first time since 2022, skygazers Thursday-into-Friday were treated with a total lunar eclipse, which turned the moon into a visible glowing red orb, often called a "Blood

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.