In a total lunar eclipse, the Earth’s shadow covers the entire Moon.  This was the case when this picture was taken, but the shadow was much darker on the eastern (left) portion of the moon.  The color and darkness of the Moon during totality can vary quite a bit from one eclipse to another.  The reds, oranges, and whites seen in this eclipse were pretty typical, however.

Image details: 4-second exposure at ISO 100 with a Nikon Coolpix 5000 camera through a Meade 10-inch telescope, using eyepiece projection with a Celestron Ultima 45-mm eyepiece.

November 2003