Partial lunar eclipse 2019: Sky gazers treated to stunning 'Half-Blood Moon' on Apollo 11's 50th anniversary

Sky gazers around the world have been treated to a stunning partial lunar eclipse which coincided with the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 launching its mission to the moon.

Incredible images showed the "Half-Blood Moon" nearing its full height above the London skyline on Tuesday night. Some 60 per cent of the moon was expected to appear red by about 10.30pm.

People around the world gathered to witness the dazzling spectacle, with enthusiasts setting up telescopes in anticipation.

The partial eclipse was visible from many places across the world, with pictures being shared from Spain, Cyprus, Indonesia, Vienna, Australia and locations in the UK.

One image showed people taking part in a yoga session in front of the Mediterranean sea in Barcelona as the eclipse got under way.

Stargazers were pictured gazing up at the stunning moon from beaches and boats in Devon.

And the red moon was also seen rising over the London skyline, towering above the capital's landmarks including the Shard.

Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth crosses between the Sun and Moon, causing a shadow to be cast on the lunar surface.

Stronger atmospheric scattering of blue light means that the light which reaches the moon's surface is red in colour.

For this reason, the lunar eclipse is often described as a "Blood Moon", and in the case of a partial lunar eclipse: a "Half-Blood Moon".

The Apollo 11 mission blasted off from Florida on July 16, 1969 and saw the first humans touch down on the lunar surface.

Four days later, US astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the Moon.

Dr Morgan Hollis from the Royal Astronomical Society said of Tuesday night's eclipse: "You're looking for anywhere that has a low unobstructed horizon, no tall buildings and trees in the way."

"Unlike a solar eclipse it's entirely safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye, so this one is fine, you don't need any special equipment and it should be fairly warm as well, given temperatures recently, it should be good if the weather is clear and the conditions are clear."