Lunar eclipse: NASA video shows blood moon rise over UK and rest of the world

Blood Moon 2018: the longest lunar eclipse of the century

Skygazers looking for the blood moon lunar eclipse were left disappointed as clouds largely obscured the celestial phenomenon.

After weeks of uninterrupted sunshine and cloudless skies, thunderstorms swept across swathes of the UK on Friday, veiling what was said to be the longest celestial event in the 21st century.

Groups of hopefuls camped out on Primrose Hill were treated to dark skies with the only light coming from London's skyline.

The lunar eclipse, which was estimated to last around 103 minutes, saw the "total" phase end at around 10.13pm, with the moon passing through the Earth's darkest shadow and take on a red sheen.

But a blanket of grey spoiled any chance of a glimpse for people in Hampshire and Wiltshire in the south and south west, to Hull in east Yorkshire, Liverpool in the north west and Dublin in Ireland.

Social media users were quick to post sarcastic tweets about how great their view of the celestial event was, with many bemoaning the fact that skies had been clear for weeks only to cloud up on Friday.

For those lucky enough, and unlike a solar eclipse, the lunar event could be viewed without wearing protective eye gear.

Some Britons had better luck however, with the Grenadier Guards stationed in Iraq posting images showing troops gazing at a red-sheened moon hanging in a clear sky.

The next total lunar eclipse in the UK will take place on 19 January 2019.

Click here for the NASA live stream of the blood moon lunar eclipse.

Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.

Key Points

• UK weather could obscure the blood moon
• Blood moon will not be the only glowing red sight to watch tonight as Mars joins celestial show
• Best places to see the blood moon in the UK

[27 July 2018 21:40 · Kristin Hugo]

Spectators in the British Isles, however, are showing their frustration.

[27 July 2018 21:59 · Kristin Hugo]

If it helps, the lunar eclipse is not visible from North America, which will have to wait until the next one on 21 January 2019.

[27 July 2018 22:31 · Lucy Anna Gray]

You can watch the latest live stream of the lunar eclipse here. 

Alternatively, if you want to catch up NASA's stream of the blood moon at it's most red, click here.

[27 July 2018 22:48 · Kristin Hugo]

The lunar eclipse, which was estimated to last around 103 minutes, saw the “total” phase end at around 10.13pm, with the moon passing through the Earth's darkest shadow and take on a red sheen.

For those lucky enough, and unlike a solar eclipse, the lunar event could be viewed without wearing protective eye gear.

Some Britons had better luck however, with the Grenadier Guards stationed in Iraq posting images showing troops gazing at a red-sheened moon hanging in a clear sky.

The next total lunar eclipse in the UK will take place on January 19 2019.

[27 July 2018 22:59 · Kristin Hugo]

Perhaps this comparison sums it up best.

[27 July 2018 23:00 · Andrew Griffin]

Everything is finishing off now: hope you've enjoyed the blood moon.

And if you haven't, fear not: there'll be another one early next year!