Pics: Striking 'Blood Moon' dazzles night skies from Americas to Europe

Those in the Americas and western Europe experienced an incredible celestial event during the total lunar eclipse on March 13 to 14, with the moon turning blood-red in the skies. X users shared their sightings with the pictures capturing the phenomenon.

In Short

• Total lunar eclipse creates 'Blood Moon' effect
• X users share pictures of sightings, North and South Americas get finest views
• Next lunar eclipse in September, to be best visible in Asia, Australia

Several regions across the Americas, Western Europe and Africa have already witnessed the much-awaited 'Blood Moon' on the occasion of a total lunar eclipse. X users have flooded the social media platform, sharing photographs of their sightings that beautifully capture this rare celestial event adorning the skies.

The pictures show the Moon appearing deep red, which happened during totality owing to the scattering of Earth's atmospheric light. In this phenomenon, known as a "Blood Moon", the shorter-wavelength blue and green light get scattered by the atmosphere while red and orange hues are allowed to pass through and illuminate the Moon. Called Rayleigh scattering, it is also the reason behind red sunrises and sunsets.

Between March 13 and 14 (depending on the regions), the first lunar eclipse occurred since 2022, with luck being on the side of the Americas as they were gifted the best views. The Moon slowly dimmed as it entered the Earth's central shadow in space, transforming into a gorgeous dirty red body lighting up the night sky.

Here are some visuals of the incredible 'blood moon'.

Those in Western European cities, including London, caught partial lunar eclipse.

Some more visuals.

Here's an unedited picture that has garnered nearly 25,000 views on X.

The eclipse lasted for approximately 65 minutes.

Unfortunately, the phenomenon was out of sight for the Indian skywatchers, who are celebrating Holi on March 14. Another total lunar eclipse is going to happen later this year on September 7 and 8, and it will offer another opportunity to see the "Blood Moon". This time it will last for 82 minutes (1 hour 22 minutes), and it will be best visible from parts of Asia, Australia and the Pacific.