World watches century's longest blood moon

Skywatchers around the world have witnessed the longest "blood moon" eclipse of the 21st Century.

As it rose, during this total eclipse, Earth's natural satellite turned a striking shade of red or ruddy brown, BBC reports.

The "totality" period, where light from the Moon was totally obscured, lasted for one hour, 43 minutes.

At least part of the eclipse was visible from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, most of Asia and South America.

In the UK, where the weather allowed, the Moon could be seen to turn red - fully eclipsed by Earth - from when it rose at 21:00 until 22:15 BST.

Over the coming days, Mars will be at its closest point to Earth since 2003 - visible as a "bright red star" where skies are clear.