People in many countries have caught a glimpse of a "blood moon" for the longest lunar eclipse of the 21st Century.

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In Greece, the Moon rose behind the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion, near Athens.

In a lunar eclipse, the Earth stands between its natural satellite and the Sun.

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Although no longer directly illuminated by the Sun, the Moon still catches light filtered and bent by the Earth's atmosphere. This gives it an orange, brown or red colour.

The eclipse will have been visible from Africa to the Middle East, Europe, Russia, India, and Australia.

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In Strasbourg, France, the Moon could be seen looming over this sculpture by the American artist Jonathan Borofsky.

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Here in the Swiss Alps it could be observed in all its glory.

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No protective eye gear was necessary to observe the eclipse.

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As the Moon passed over Abu Dhabi, it could be seen behind the minarets of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

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In Sydney, crowds gathered to watch the Moon turn red above the city's distinctive skyline.

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People in Taipei, Taiwan, set up telescopes to watch the event. The total eclipse lasted almost one hour and 43 minutes.

Several BBC readers got in touch to share what they could see - including David Greer in Dubai (below), and Emad Karim in Cairo, Egypt (second and third below).

Image copyright David Greer

Image copyright Emad Karim

Image copyright Emad Karim

All pictures copyrighted.