A near-total lunar eclipse transformed the Moon into a striking copper-red orb above Rio de Janeiro early on Friday, with 96.2 per cent of the lunar surface covered by Earth’s shadow at the peak of the event. | Videos

Earth’s shadow will appear reddish orange on the lunar surface — the reason a lunar eclipse is also known as a “blood moon.”

A partial lunar eclipse will see around 93% of the Moon move into Earth’s darkest shadow as the “blood moon” becomes visible across the UK.

Stargazers across North and South America enjoyed the best view of the celestial spectacle

Stargazers across North and South America enjoyed the best view of the celestial spectacle