First total lunar eclipse of 2011

Skywatchers in parts of Europe, Africa, Central Asia and Australia have witnessed the first total lunar eclipse of 2011 and the longest in nearly 11 years, experts say.

This type of eclipse occurs when the Earth casts its shadow over the Moon.

But indirect sunlight can still illuminate the Moon turning it a dramatic shade of red.

Joanna Gosling and Jon Sopel describe the eclipse as it was seen in South Africa.