In one of the most spectacular astronomical events in years, the full lunar eclipse brought out the the experts, and the novices.

People gathered at spots they were certain to see this rare phenomenon and took their share of photos to prove they were there to capture the “blood moon.”

Although they aren’t NASA quality, there are actually some awesome photos circling on social media sites, and from places all over the U.S. – taken with iPhones, iPads, Galaxies and actual digital cameras.

We've seen lots of blood moon photos, but this one by IG user @icamt3i wins. http://t.co/qVMBH41ElK pic.twitter.com/WoL1xcMrid

— ANIMALNewYork (@ANIMALNewYork) April 15, 2014

Lots of great photos of blood moon overnight. This is from viewer Bob Kish. Check out more at http://t.co/Gelx9O1jhS pic.twitter.com/Kyei3tm4kY

— Erin Jordan (@ErinJordan_WX) April 15, 2014

Because the photos I took look like they were taken with a wheaties box.. Here's #bloodmoon from Temple of Poseidon pic.twitter.com/b9s1GdYtl6

— Gerrod Phillip (@TH3RoD_G) April 15, 2014

We're getting to the blood moon. I'm still freezing. Color exaggerated a bit from the long exposure I used. https://t.co/NT2jKu8M2e

— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) April 15, 2014

Early stages of the 'blood moon' over #newyork tonight. @nbcnewyork @nbcnewspictures @NASA @weatherchannel http://t.co/QXGRaDdF4d

— andrew dallos (@adallos) April 15, 2014

It started around 11 pm PT, when the moon looked as if a bite had been taken out of it – and as the Earth blocked the sun, Mr. Moon took on an eerie reddish shadow.

What made this one so rare is that this time there will be four total eclipses in a row… known as a tetrad. All of them will be visible from North America. The April eclipse is the start of this tetrad – with the others following on October 8, 2014, April 4th and September 28, 2015.

The eclipse was simply amazing for all who had the opportunity to view it. If you missed it, no worries, another one comes around this year in October.

Image via NASA