In pictures: Stargazers marvel at 'blood moon' amid lunar eclipse

On a clear Friday morning, many eager stargazers across the UK were treated to a spectacular sight in the sky known as a lunar eclipse. This fascinating event occurs when the Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that alters the Moon's appearance. In various locations, such as Somerset, observers witnessed a darkened Moon, while in Hornchurch, London, the Moon took on a striking red hue, earning it the nickname 'blood Moon. ' This captivating phenomenon drew the attention of many who were keen to experience the beauty of the changing Moon. Stargazers were encouraged to find a dark and unobstructed area to enjoy the best view of the eclipse, and many followed this advice. In Blaenavon, Torfaen, the view was particularly stunning, with the Moon clearly visible against the dark sky. The eclipse was also seen in other regions, including Selsey in West Sussex and even across the Atlantic in Canada, where the Moon was spotted next to the iconic CN Tower. The 'blood Moon' is a remarkable sight that occurs when the Moon passes into the Earth's shadow. For most of the UK, the eclipse was partial, meaning that only a portion of the Moon was obscured by the Earth's shadow. However, some western areas of the UK, along with parts of the Americas and certain Pacific islands, experienced a total lunar eclipse, where the entire Moon turned a deep red. This event marked the first total lunar eclipse since May 2022, and it was a breathtaking experience for those fortunate enough to witness it. Stargazers around the globe were excited to catch a glimpse of the eclipse, which began at 05:09 GMT. Many people tuned in to a livestream hosted by the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles to watch the event unfold. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon, resulting in a shadow being cast upon its surface. Kathleen Maitland, who was stargazing at Pagham Harbour in West Sussex, shared her excitement, stating, 'You've got the sun coming up behind, then this Moon going into a slither and turning red. ' She described the experience as amazing and captivating. The Moon's transformation into a reddish color was a sight to behold, and many individuals captured photographs to commemorate the occasion. An illustrative diagram explaining a total lunar eclipse depicts the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. The Earth's shadow consists of a dark central area where the Moon appears red, as well as a lighter outer shadow known as the penumbra, where only partial shading occurs. A lunar eclipse takes place when the Moon traverses the outer region of the Earth's shadow. For a total lunar eclipse to occur, the Earth must completely obscure the sunlight that reaches the Moon, necessitating a precise alignment of the three celestial bodies. The full Moon was also seen rising behind the Grand Camlica Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, while people gathered at the Galileo Galilei Planetarium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to observe the event. In New York City, the Moon was visible behind the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Tower, creating a picturesque scene. Scientists at the Foster Observatory in Santiago were also engaged in observing the Moon, displaying it on a screen for viewers. The term 'blood Moon' is often used to describe a lunar eclipse because of the way the Moon can take on a deep, coppery red color during the event. This color change is attributed to a phenomenon known as 'Rayleigh scattering,' which also influences the colors of the sky and sunsets. When sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere to reach the Moon, it causes the Moon to appear in a different color. Astronomer Jake Foster from the Royal Observatory Greenwich explained that red light is largely unaffected by atmospheric gases, allowing it to travel through and illuminate the Moon, resulting in its reddish appearance. Looking ahead, the next total lunar eclipse is expected to occur at the beginning of September, although it will be most prominently visible over central and east Asia, with only select areas of the UK experiencing the total eclipse effect. Enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating these extraordinary celestial events, and many are excited for the opportunity to witness the next one.