A PARTIAL lunar eclipse was visible across parts of Essex last night.

And the event was particularly special for stargazers, as the date coincided with the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 launching on its moon mission.

Those with their cameras were able to snap the eclipse and our camera club has been sharing some incredible shots.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth, sun, and moon are almost exactly in line and the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun.

The moon is full, moves into the shadow of the Earth and dims dramatically but usually remains visible, lit by sunlight that passes through the Earth's atmosphere.