The rare Blood Moon total lunar eclipse started lighting up the sky late Thursday with a bright full Moon. Why it matters: It's the only lunar eclipse visible from the U.S. this year and the first total lunar eclipse since November 2022.

A total lunar eclipse will make the moon appear red across the Western Hemisphere during the "Blood Worm Moon" this week.

Skywatchers across the world will witness the first total lunar eclipse in three years. Here’s who will have the best views—and what gives the moon its eerie red tint.