Early risers across the UK caught a glimpse of a stunning lunar eclipse just before dawn on Friday. While most of the UK witnessed a partial eclipse, western regions, along with parts of the Americas and Pacific islands, experienced a total lunar eclipse—the first since May 2022.

The celestial event, often called a “blood Moon,” occurred as the Moon moved into Earth’s shadow, turning a dusky red due to the scattering of sunlight through the atmosphere. The eclipse began at 05:09 GMT and was visible in different stages across the world.

In the UK, astronomy enthusiasts gathered at various locations, including Pagham Harbour in West Sussex and Stonehenge, to witness the phenomenon. A livestream by LA’s Griffith Observatory allowed global audiences to follow the event in real time.

Astronomers explained that the red hue results from Rayleigh scattering, the same process that makes sunsets appear red. The next total lunar eclipse is expected in September, but it will be most visible in central and eastern Asia, with only some parts of the UK experiencing its full effect.