Skywatchers around the globe were last night treated to a rare celestial event - a total lunar eclipse when the sun, moon and earth were in perfect alignment.
The moon began to move into the earth’s shadow about 4pm and was in full shadow shortly after 5pm. The moon rose at about 6.30pm and the eclipse ended at 7.30pm.
It’s the the first of four consecutive phenomena of this kind this year and next, a series astronomers call a tetrad. The last time a tetrad took place was in 2003-2004, In total, the 21st century will see eight tetrads.
The year’s second total lunar eclipse will take place on October 8, with the tetrad’s remaining two expected on April 4 and September 28 of next year.
The moon moves out of a lunar eclipse over southern California. Picture: Getty
Blood Moon' rises over the water in Wlliamstown, Melbourne. Picture: Getty
The moon from the Spanish Canary island of Tenerife. Picture: Getty
The moon glows red from Milwaukee. Picture: AAP
The moon over New York City. Picture: AAP
Avid sky watchers gather around the world. Picture: Getty
The moon during the stages of eclipse, seen from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Picture: AAP
The Goddess of Liberty statue atop the Capitol in Austin, Texas. Picture: AAP
Watching the eclipse at the Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial in Brazil. Picture: Getty
The Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial in Brazil. Picture: Getty
The spots on the moon aren't caused by asteroids, say scientists.
The moon before, during and after total eclipse over southern California. Picture: Getty