In the Americas alone more than one billion people in 35 countries could bear witness to the total lunar eclipse.

The first total lunar eclipse in more than two years lit up the sky last night as humanity, forever fascinated with the Earth’s only natural satellite, watched.

Early-rising stargazers in the UK woke up to a lunar eclipse just before dawn on Friday. The eclipse was expected to be partial for most of the UK, with the Earth's shadow only covering part of the Moon. In some very western areas, and across the Americas, a total eclipse may have been visible - weather permitting.