Moon glows in shades of red during eclipse

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- The moon glowed in shades of orange and red on the U.S. West Coast early Saturday during the total lunar eclipse, officials said.

Those in areas with clear skies on the coast and in Canada could take in the rare view of the moon during the eclipse, which began about 4:45 a.m. PST and lasted about 51 minutes, KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, reported.

The total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting the moon into shadow.

NASA scientists had predicted the eclipse would be deepest just before dawn on the U.S. West Coast.

"Face west to see the red moon sinking into the horizon as the sun rises behind your back," their statement said. "It's a rare way to begin your day."

Some of the best views were in Australia and Asia, where the eclipse began during darkness, The Daily Telegraph of Britain reported.

The moon turned a red hue as the Earth blocked out direct sunlight that normally illuminates the lunar surface. During the eclipse, indirect sunlight and starlight can illuminate the surface, producing the red color.

Some captured the eclipse in photographs that included famous landmarks such as the Data Darbar in Lahore, Pakistan, and the Tokyo Tower in Japan.

The next total lunar eclipse won't happen until April 15, 2014.