In pictures: Stunning supermoon at Greek temple

A supermoon rises next to the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, some 65 kilometers south of Athens.

A supermoon rises next to the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Picture: Getty

The phenomenon, known as a perigee full moon, occurs when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth. At this time it can appear up to 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than when it is farthest from the planet, experts said.

UK skywatchers only had “fleeting” views of the supermoon, which was largely obscured by clouds.

The perigee appeared over the skies at midday yesterday, when it would be about 360,000km away – compared with 400,000km at its farthest point.

The moon’s distance from Earth varies because it follows an elliptical orbit rather than a circular one.