Watch the Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse in One GIF

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Blood moon lunar eclipse 2014
Ritchie B. Tongo—EPA (7); Gif by Mia Tramz for TIME
By Alex Fitzpatrick and TIME Photo

For those who were able to see it in person, Wednesday morning’s Blood Moon lunar eclipse didn’t disappoint as skywatchers spotted Earth’s always-orbiting pal turn a deep shade of red.

Why that color? During a Blood Moon lunar eclipse, Earth gets between the Sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. The red color comes as Earth’s atmosphere scatters the sunlight, stripping away blue light and leaving behind the red to reach the moon’s surface.

If you missed Wednesday’s Blood Moon — the second of the year and fourth lunar eclipse — check it out here in a single GIF. Then check out past Blood Moons, too.

See the Best Photos of the Blood Moon

The moon during a total lunar eclipse from Kathmandu on Oct. 8, 2014.
The moon during a total lunar eclipse from Kathmandu on Oct. 8, 2014.Narendra Shrestha—EPA
Blood Moon China
Through multiple exposures, the blood moon is shown in Hefei, China on Oct. 8, 2014. Guo Chen—Xinhua/Sipa
The moon during a total lunar eclipse behind a ferris wheel in Tokyo, on Oct. 8, 2014.
The moon during a total lunar eclipse behind a ferris wheel in Tokyo, on Oct. 8, 2014.Yoshikazu Tsuno—AFP/Getty Images
The moon during a total lunar eclipse behind the CN Tower and the skyline of Toronto on Oct. 8, 2014.
The moon during a total lunar eclipse behind the CN Tower and the skyline of Toronto on Oct. 8, 2014. Mark Blinch—Reuters
The moon during a total lunar eclipse above the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas on Oct. 8, 2014.
The moon during a total lunar eclipse above the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas on Oct. 8, 2014.David Becker—Zuma Press
Blood Moon China
The blood moon resulting from the total lunar eclipse is seen in the sky in Ningbo city, China on Oct. 8, 2014. Imaginechina/Corbis
Blood Moon China
The total lunar eclipse is seen in the sky in Qingdao city, China on Oct. 8, 2014. Imaginechina/Corbis
The moon during a total lunar eclipse over Sydney, on Oct. 8, 2014.
The moon during a total lunar eclipse over Sydney, on Oct. 8, 2014. Rick Rycroft—AP

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