The moon has turned red in an event known as a blood moon following a partial lunar eclipse – which was visible in the UK just before dawn on Friday.
The moon turned dark as it moved into Earth’s shadow and eventually appeared red, hence the “blood moon” nickname.
The sun, Earth, and moon are almost, rather than fully, aligned during a partial lunar eclipse, creating a dark section on the moon.
Spectacular pictures were published as it became visible across the Americas. From the UK, only a partial lunar eclipse was visible, meaning only part of the moon appeared red.
It’s a phenomenon that only happens a handful of times a year,
The last total lunar eclipse was in May 2022 when the moon turned completely red.
Astronomer Jake Foster, at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, said: “When the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, the only sunlight that can reach the moon must first pass through the Earth’s atmosphere.
“As sunlight enters the atmosphere, different wavelengths (and therefore colours) of light will be scattered and bounced around by differing amounts. Blue light scatters a great deal, which is why our skies are blue.
“Red light is mostly unaffected by the gases of the atmosphere, so it travels all the way through them and out the other side where it can shine on the moon, making it appear red.”
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From those watching from the UK, the moon was expected to start to turn red at around 5.30am and the best views would have been just before 6.30am, according to astronomers.
No equipment was needed to look at it, Mr Foster said.
According to the Royal Astronomical Society, some people living in the west of the UK may have been able to see a total lunar eclipse with the naked eye, weather permitting.
Others in eastern and southeastern England are only expected to be able to see a partial lunar eclipse. This is because the moon will not be completely within the Earth’s shadow by the time it sets.
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According to the latest Met Office forecast, much of the UK would have been covered by cloud when the eclipse was most visible, apart from parts of the South East, East Anglia and central Scotland.
