SYDNEY - Asian and African night owls were treated to a lunar eclipse, and ash in the atmosphere from a Chilean volcano turned it blood red for some viewers.
The Sydney Observatory said the eclipse was to begin at 3:25 a.m. Thursday (1:25 p.m. EDT, 5:25 p.m. GMT Wednesday) and last until after 5 a.m.
Scientists said the specific phenomenon happening Thursday -- known as a "deep lunar eclipse" -- often exudes a coppery color. But the intensity of the color depends on the amount of ash and dust in the atmosphere.
Luckily for moon-gazers, there was plenty of ash in the air so the moon appeared orange or red, especially in Asia. Air travellers haven't been so lucky: The ash has grounded hundreds of flights around the region.
Scientists said the eclipse could be safely observed with the naked eye.
