Blue supermoon: World gazes at rare lunar phenomenon
Sky gazers around the world have been treated to a blue supermoon, which made a spectacular appearance for the first time since 2009.
A blue Moon occurs when the pattern of days in a year means there are 13 full Moons instead of the usual 12.
This blue Moon is also a supermoon – when the Earth’s only natural satellite appears brighter than usual because it is at its closest point in its orbit around our planet.
But despite its name, the lunar phenomenon has nothing to do with colour – it gets its name because it does not fall in the usual scheme of named Moons.
The lunar spectacle is visible either on Wednesday or Thursday in different parts of the world.
A plane passes in front of the blue Moon in London
Spectators captured images of the Moon as it rose above Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
In Greece, the blue supermoon delighted crowds that gathered at the ancient Temple of Poseidon, near Athens
People gathered at Marina Bay Sands as the Moon came into view in Singapore
Star gazers were able to enjoy a view of the Moon rising over the bright lights of Moscow, Russia
People gathered along North Avenue Beach, as the Moon rose in Chicago
The Moon appeared to roll over an ancient fortress near the city of Rosh HaAyin in Israel
The supermoon came into view over the stands during the first Vitality IT20 match at the Seat Unique Riverside in County Durham
The blue Moon created an abstract scene as it rose over Guwahati city in India
The supermoon caught the attention of a Palestinian boy as he rode his bicycle in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip
Flowers are seen as the Moon rose over Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir.
