In preparation for tonight’s lunar eclipse: What you need to know and where to see it

A total lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon and covers the moon with its shadow. When this happens, the moon can turn red, earning it the nickname of blood moon.

Total eclipses of the moon happen at full moon when the sun, Earth, and the moon are aligned to form a line. The astronomical term for this type of alignment is syzygy, which comes from the Greek word for being paired together.