Monday 28 September 2015

Lunar eclipse 2015: Londoners' incredible images of Super Moon

Londoners stayed up until the small hours of this morning to catch a glimpse of a rare 'super blood moon' over the capital. The spectacle, which was the first of its kind in more than thirty years, was visible in the skies above the city just before dawn.


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Crimson: The super blood moon behind the clock tower in Crouch End (Andy Mayfield)

Dramatic pictures have captured the bright crimson moon lighting up the London skyline.
The so-called 'super blood moon' occurs when a supermoon and lunar eclipse occur at the same time.
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Dramatic: The red moon hangs above the clock tower in Crouch End (Andy Mayfield)

During a lunar eclipse,  the moon turns a deep rusty red after sunlight is scattered by the Earth's atmosphere, and a supermoon occures when the moon is at its shortest distance from the Earth.
Last night's mood was just 226,000 miles away, when it appears 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than when it is at its furthermost point.
The last time a supermoon coincided with a lunar eclipse, when the moon is covered by the Earth's shadow, was in 1982 and the event will not be repeated until 2033.
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Stunning: The supermoon over Westminster (Andrew Steele)
Conditions were good for moon-gazing last night and this morning, with relatively cloudless skies giving a clear view of the moon.
The lucky few who were awake to catch a glimpse of the spectacular sight said it was worth losing out on sleep for.
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Illuminated: The moon over the London Eye (PJP photos/REX)
On twitter, Kate Crawford said: "Super blood moon beautiful. view from Streatham as clear as London sky gets. Worth the pre dawn alarm."
And Zack Goffe tweeted: "Love the supermoon it was so bright in London amazing..."
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Atmospheric:  The supermoon rises behind Glastonbury Tor (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
The skies were painted red by the moon not just in London, but around the UK, and right across the world.
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An image of the super moon taken in Hackney
he unusual celestial phenomenons have been feared throughout history, as they were feared to bring bad luck.
And some religious groups are convinced that last night's eerie sight is a sign that the End of Days is approaching.