Lunar eclipse: Clouds ruin view of blood moon as thunderstorms sweep UK

UK weather conspires to obscure the longest lunar eclipse of the 21st century

Skygazers hoping to see the rare "blood moon" lunar eclipse were left disappointed by clouds spoiling their view.

The celestial phenomenon took place just a few hours after thunderstorms swept across the British Isles on Friday evening.

While others around the world shared pictures of the stunning eclipse, social media users in the UK posted images of grey clouds.

Groups of hopefuls camped out on Primrose Hill were treated to dark skies with the only light coming from London's skyline.

The blanket of grey also frustrated people from Hampshire and Wiltshire in the south and south west, to Hull in east Yorkshire, Liverpool in the north west and Dublin in Ireland.​

Many vented their frustration by making sarcastic comments next to their moonless photos.

Some Britons had better luck however, with the Grenadier Guards stationed in Iraq posting images showing troops gazing at a red moon hanging in a clear sky.

The lunar eclipse, which was estimated to last around 103 minutes, saw the "total" phase end at around 10.13pm.

For those lucky enough to see it, the event could be viewed without wearing protective eye gear.

The next total lunar eclipse visible the UK will take place on 19 January 2019.

PA