Stargazers were up early this morning to witness the longest lunar eclipse of the century.
Stargazers in Melbourne. Photo: AFP
The lunar eclipse, where the earth's shadow falls onto the moon, was visible from the western horizon for an hour and 43 minutes.
Astronomers in the South Island reported the best views of the blood moon.
David Searle, who was standing at the top of Mount Cargill in Dunedin around 8am, said he could make out a sliver of the eclipse before clouds obscured it.
"We did see it disappear with the earth's shadow going over.
"There's been a wonderful red sunrise."
A combo of six pictures shows a 'blood moon' total lunar eclipse in Bishkek. Photo: AFP
There were about 100 others with him at the top of Mount Cargill watching the lunar eclipse, he said.
The President of the Royal Astronomical Society Nicholas Rattenbury said the event was "extraordinary".
"You're able to see both the moon during a lunar eclipse and the sun on the opposite horizon, at the same time.
"Which is kind of strange if you think about it - the earth is casting a shadow on the moon and you can see that shadow and the sun at the same time."
He said this occurrence was very rare, which was why it had captured the imagination of people around the world.
Mr Rattenbury said those with a view of the horizon would have been in the best spot to see the spectacle.
Events such as this were a good reminder of the many astronomical societies across the country that got together to view and learn about celestial events.
The next blood moon will be visible in New Zealand in May 2021.
