Astrophotographers who embarked on a journey to northern Alaska in pursuit of a once-in-a-lifetime shot witnessed aurora surrounding a "blood moon" total lunar eclipse.

According to Dr. Angela Speck, a professor of astrophysics and department chair for physics and astronomy at The University of Texas at San Antonio, the "blood moon" total lunar eclipse was visible across the U.S. and no special equipment was necessary to view it.

In the Americas alone more than one billion people in 35 countries could bear witness to the total lunar eclipse.