Its primary objective following the March 2 touchdown inside Mare Crisium crater was to deliver 10 NASA instruments designed to gather lunar subsurface data. But the eastern edge of the moon’s near east side also provided a perfect spot for viewing a solar eclipse from the moon’s point of view.

Well at least partially. The total lunar eclipse known as the "blood moon" amazed Americans last night as the moon and the sun were on exact opposite sides of Earth. And while another total lunar eclipse won't occur until next year,

The next total lunar eclipse will be on Sept. 7-8, 2025, visible in parts of Asia and Australia, with totality lasting 82 minutes.