21 December 2010Last updated at 13:04

In pictures: Total lunar eclipse

Total lunar eclipse pictured from New York

On 21 December, skywatchers were treated to the first total lunar eclipse in three years. The event occurs when the Moon passes behind the Earth and our planet casts its shadow on to the lunar surface.

The reddish colour during eclipse totality occurs because some sunlight is able to pass through the Earth's atmosphere. This picture shows the Moon behind the monument of The Saviour of The World in El Salvador.

Composite of images of the eclipse shot from Mexico

Some of the best views were from North and Central America, where observers could see the eclipse from start to finish. This stunning series of photographs was taken from Mexico City.

Skywatchers in northern Scandinavia (AFP)

Skywatchers in northern Europe were also able to get a good view, such as these observers who set up telescopes near the village of Vuollerim, Sweden.

In the UK, some of the best views of the event were from western Scotland and Northern Ireland. BBC News website reader John O'Neill captured this shot of the eclipse from Stevenston, Ayrshire.

Science & Environment

In pictures: Total lunar eclipse

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