Moon plays hide and seek

The total eclipse of the moon lasted only a short time, but it still dazzled.

Early risers in the Sacramento region and across the western U.S. should have been able to catch a glimpse before dawn Saturday.

The moment when the moon was completely obscured by Earth’s shadow lasted several minutes, making it the shortest lunar eclipse of the century. Longer eclipses occur when the moon passes through the middle of the shadow.

Some skygazers complained that clouds prevented them from seeing any of the 3 1/2-hour lunar show. The next total lunar eclipse occurs Sept. 28, but will be more visible to skywatchers in South America and along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.

This story was originally published April 4, 2015 at 9:08 PM with the headline "Moon plays hide and seek."