Lunar eclipse visible in many parts of world

European, Asian and African viewers were treated to an hour-long total lunar eclipse Wednesday, with ash in the atmosphere from a Chilean volcano turning the moon's image blood red from some vantage points.

Astronomers said it would be one of the two longest total lunar eclipses of the century. A total of 85 total lunar eclipses are expected this century, with the longest to occur on July 27, 2018.

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth casts its shadow over the face of the moon, gradually fully covering the surface. Indirect light can illuminate the moon's surface faintly, and dust in the atmosphere can cause the reddening effect.