By Tony Field
Star gazers have enjoyed a rare treat - a total lunar eclipse.
The eclipse occurred early this morning as the earth moved between the sun and the moon.
The cloud cover did not make for the best view at Auckland's Stardome Observatory, but those who got up well before dawn enjoyed what they saw.
Around 100 people turned out at the Stardome to watch the event.
Other people also enjoyed it in Australia and across Asia with hundreds gathering on the lawns of the India Gate War Memorial in New Delhi to watch the spectacle.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon moves into the earth's shadow. It dims, but can still be seen as it is lit by the sunlight passing through the earth's atmosphere.
As it moves into the darkest part of the shadow it assumes a grey or red colour.
The last lunar eclipse was in June this year - but New Zealanders could only watch the first half before the moon set.
Although there will be no total lunar eclipse visible in New Zealand skies next year - there will be a solar eclipse in November.
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