Early morning clouds and snow ruined our view, but you can see it here in a stunning time lapse video from NASA.

This morning's total lunar eclipse was the first since 2011, and the first of four that will occur within the next 18 months.

A "blood moon" happens during a total lunar eclipse when a full moon passes into Earth's shadow. As the eclipse continues, the moon's bright glow turns to various shades of red caused by shimmers of sunlight and sunsets that travel through Earth's atmosphere. As the moon begins to emerge from the Earth's shadow the red tint starts to fade.

A lunar eclipse is safe to view with a naked eye, unlike a solar eclipse.

This morning's event happened in the early morning hours between 2 and 4:30 a.m. ET, although clouds ruined the view for half of the United States.

Tuesday's "blood moon" is one of four that will take place between now and next September. October 8th, and then April 4th and September 28th of 2015 will complete the rare occurrence of four lunar eclipses that happen at six month intervals, known as a tetrad. NASA says this won't happen again until 2032.

This morning's nasty weather didn't allow us to see this morning's celestial event, but you can watch a stunning time lapse video from NASA below.

ScienceAtNASA has put together a short and simple video that explains how a "blood moon" happens. It's fascinating stuff. Watch it below.

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