As most of us were getting some well-needed shut eye last night, a rare astronomical phenomenon took over the skies…

Throughout the very early hours of the day, North and South America, parts of Europe, and parts of Africa were treated to a Blood Moon total lunar eclipse.

Sounds cool, right?

A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes directly in between the Sun and the Moon. This occasion sees the Earth’s shadow covering the Moon, giving it a red tinge and thus the name ‘Blood Moon’.

This is just one of two total lunar eclipses taking place this year, with the year’s second eclipse set to take place on 8th November.

Having said that, November’s eclipse will not be visible from Malta.

Nonetheless, our tiny island nation’s home to some very talented (and dedicated) astronomy photographers who have managed to capture last night’s eclipse beautifully.

Credit: Ramon Curmi / Facebook

“Last night, while everyone was asleep at around 4:20am, there was a total lunar eclipse. From Malta, we could only see half of it, and our perspective wasn’t as incredible as other times. Nonetheless. I’m glad to have witnessed it,” photographer Ramon Curmi wrote.

Ramon’s pictures show off the different stages of last night’s eclipse, shot from his “newly built observatory”.

Another shot, captured by the talented Clayton Curmi, managed to also show off the moon’s red tinge.

Credit: Clayton Curmi / Facebook

“Early this morning, starting at 3:30am, the Moon plunged into Earth’s shadow, a phenomenon known as lunar eclipse. This one in particular is a total eclipse, meaning the moon passed through the centre axis of Earth’s dark (umbral) shadow. The Moon is also in a near part of its orbit – close to Earth – during the eclipse. This is known as a Supermoon,” Clayton wrote.

Did you manage to spot last night’s eclipse?

Main image: Ramon Curmi / Facebook, Clayton Curmi / Facebook