A total lunar eclipse is a relatively rare astronomical event because the moon usually passes above or below Earth’s shadow in the sky due to the tilt of its orbit. But once or twice a year the heavens literally align and the moon moves directly into that region of space.

"In a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon falls within the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra. When the moon is within the umbra, it appears red-orange. Lunar eclipses are sometimes called 'blood moons' because of this phenomenon," Caela Barry wrote for NASA.

The eclipse is set to take place on the night of Thursday, March 13, into the early hours of Friday, March 14.

Skywatchers across North America are in for a treat as the moon prepares to undergo a stunning transformation during a total lunar eclipse, commonly known as a blood moon. This remarkable phenomenon occurs when the Earth aligns directly between the moon and the sun,

A blood moon is set to grace the night sky this week, casting an eerie red glow over Earth. This rare total lunar eclipse will be the first in more than two years, and skywatchers across several continents will have a chance to witness its striking transformation.