The eclipse is created by Earth passing directly between the sun and moon (Image: EPA/REUTERS ) A lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth passes directly between the sun and moon. This has combined with a ‘supermoon’, when the moon is unusually close to Earth, to create tonight’s spectacle. There won’t be another full solar eclipse until May 2021. Related articles Eclipse 2019: How to watch tonight’s BLOOD RED MOON Eclipse 2019: What are the myths and omens behind the Blood Moon Astronomer Tom Kerss, from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, commented: “We’re going into this unusual lull in total lunar eclipses over the next couple of years. “So this is a really good one to catch as it’s going to be a long time before you catch another one like this - we will have other lunar eclipses, we just won’t have anything quite as spectacular until May 2021.” Space enthusiasts around the world have been recording incredible images of the event. In one photo, taken in the Balkan nation of North Macedonia, the Blood Moon can be seen glowing behind a church. READ MORE: What are the myths and omens behind the Blood Moon The moon pictures over Turkey shortly before the lunar eclipse (Image: EPA ) Blood moon pictures over a church in North Macedonia (Image: EPA ) A photo taken in Hull in northern England shows a statue silhouetted against the moon. In another from Huddersfield, also in the UK, the reddish glow of the blood moon can clearly be seen behind a building. The last full lunar eclipse took place in July 2018. Unlike with a solar eclipse, when the moon moves between the Earth and sun, a lunar eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye. READ MORE: The reasons behind the name of tonight's eclipse. Related articles Eclipse 2019 LIVE updates: Stargazers gather for Blood Moon TONIGHT Eclipse 2019: The reasons behind the name of tonight's eclipse. The blood moon seen above Kingston upon Hull in the UK (Image: EPA ) The blood moon seen above Huddersfield in the UK (Image: PA ) A separate photo, also taken in Hull, shows the reddish glimmer of the sun behind a tower block. Stunning pictures show the blood moon over North America. In one, taken in Ciudad Juarez Mexico, shows the blood sun behind a Christian cross. Another shows the moon over Manhattan Island, New York City, ahead of the eclipse's arrival. The blood moon behind a tower block in Hull, UK (Image: PA ) The moon seen in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, ahead of the full lunar eclipse (Image: REUTERS ) The moon above New York City ahead of the blood moon (Image: GETTY ) In some parts of the world, a Blood Moon is seen as a bad omen. Some Christian conspiracists think a Blood Moon is an apocalyptic sign from the heavens. The bizarre theory gained traction thanks to a 'Blood Moon Prophecy' touted by American pastors Mark Biltz and John Hagee in 2014. Native American folklore states the Moon has 20 wives and numerous pets such as lions and snakes. When the moon failed to bring them enough food, they attacked and made him bleed, the tail goes.All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility