Total lunar eclipse visible across California

A total lunar eclipse such as the one last night happens when the moon passes directly behind the earth and into its shadow. But it was a little more special than your average eclipse: It happened during a super moon.

The January eclipse stunned space enthusiast around the world as the Super Blood Wolf Moon turned a deep shade of red overnight.

The next total lunar eclipse won't be seen in the city until 2022.

The moon didn't go completely dark, but glowed a slightly red tint as "a result of sunlight being filtered and bent through the Earth's atmosphere", similar to a sunset.

The next lunar eclipse will take place between July 16 and 17, but unlike the Super Blood Wolf Moon which appeared in the night sky on January 21, this will only be a partial lunar eclipse.

And January's full moon is traditionally known as the Wolf Moon.

Watchers in North and South America, parts of Europe and western Africa, who were lucky enough to have clear skies, saw a total lunar eclipse - but eastern Africa and Asia observed a partial eclipse. This process will end at 11:40 p.m., when the Earth's shadow covers the whole of the moon's surface; this is the beginning of "totality.' This will last until around 12:40 a.m., when the motion of the Earth's shadow will carry it past the moon, and the moon will gradually again be lit by the sun".

But why don't we see total lunar eclipses more often?

During the lunar eclipse the moon appears bigger and brighter than normal.

And while the events alone aren't totally uncommon, when they are combined they make for a spectacular display.

"The super part is somewhat rare, the moon needs to be within a day or so of its closest position, and the orbit's a month long, so that's pretty rare", astronomer David Reitzel told CBS2.

Unlike a solar eclipse, eye protection is not required for viewing.