total lunar eclipse in Malaga
An aircraft flies as the shadow of the earth falls on the moon during a total lunar eclipse in Malaga, southern Spain, late June 15, 2011. REUTERS

The red glow of the lunar eclipse in the sky captured sky-watchers for the longest time in 11 years.

From 19:22 GMT to 21:02 GMT on June 15, the moon showed its full face in dark red, observable from countries in South America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania.

In most parts of Europe the start of the eclipse came before moonrise, but everywhere else, except the northern tips of Scotland and some parts of Scandinavia, could observe the total eclipse.

For those of us who missed the rare glory of the moon, here is your chance.

The next total lunar eclipse is scheduled for December 10, 2011. And it will be available to the naked eye in North America. The total lunar eclipse on December 10 is expected to last for 51 minutes, and observable from Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and North America.