FIRST PICS: Supermoon LIGHTS UP skies across Britain

A “SUPERMOON trilogy” is under way as skies across Britain light up.

By Nicholas Bieber /

The first of a rare flurry of Supermoons is underway after the Earth’s satellite rose through the cloud covered horizon tonight.

Our moon is now closest to Earth on its orbit and is a dazzling 15% brighter and 7% larger, as these stunning images show.

SEE TONIGHT'S SUPERMOON PICTURES IN THE GALLERY BELOW

Supermoon LIGHTS UP sky above Britain in last spectacle of 2017

 
A stunning Supermoon lit up the sky above Britain on Sunday, December 3 in the last such spectacle of the year.
1 / 8
Cold Moon PA
Supermoon rises over Whitby Abbey in Yorkshire

    A cloudy evening eventually gave way to epic views of the Supermoon in northern England, which was due to appear brightest at midnight when at its highest point.

    Last year the Moon made its closest approach to Earth since 1948 – but it won't be that close again until November 25, 2034.

    REX/PA/SHUTTERSTOCK

    Blood Moon

     
    The combination of a supermoon and total lunar eclipse creating a blood moon last occurred in 1982 and will not happen again until 2033.
    1 / 21
    Blood Moon in Warsaw Poland REUTERS
    A man takes picture of the screen displaying the moon in Warsaw

      Tonight’s event saw the Moon move within 222,761 miles from Earth, closer than its average 238,900 miles.

      NASA has called this weekend's sighting the first in a “Supermoon trilogy" over the next two months, with others to come on January 1 and January 31.

      Comments