2021 lunar eclipse and super blood moon viewed across the east coast of Australia

A super blood moon was visible in cloudless skies over Australia’s east coast on Wednesday night, the first in a decade. See the pictures.

Stargazers have witnessed Australia’s first blood moon in three years, with the lunar eclipse high in the sky on Wednesday evening.

The last slight sliver of the white moon slipped away by 9:20, 10 minutes behind schedule but casting Australia beneath the dull rusty glow.

By 9:40, the red hue began to wane as the white crescent peeked out, slowly returning the night sky to normal.

Australia’s next lunar eclipse will be in November, when a partial lunar eclipse will arrive on the 19th.

A surfer rides a wave as a super blood moon rises above the horizon at Manly Beach on Wednesday night. Picture: Getty Images

The moon rises over the Opera House in Sydney on May 26, 2021, ahead of a total lunar eclipse. Picture: AFP

The moon shines bright in the Sydney sky. Picture: AFP

WHAT IS A SUPER BLOOD MOON?

A super blood moon occurs when a total lunar eclipse takes place at the same time as the moon is in its closest point to earth in its orbit.

It appeared larger than normal and darker in colour due to the refraction of light.

The moon’s red colour comes from sunlight passing through the edges of Earth’s atmosphere before being beamed onto the moon’s surface.

The refractured colours of light are similar to what you would typically witness at a sunrise or sunset.