Sky-gazers have enjoyed the rare sight of a supermoon, with the Moon appearing bigger and brighter than usual as it came closer to Earth than it has in decades.

Eastern Daily Press: A super sight of a Supermoon taken from my window in Hemblington at 3.47am. Photo: Brian ShreeveA super sight of a Supermoon taken from my window in Hemblington at 3.47am. Photo: Brian Shreeve (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

But sightings proved scarce in Norfolk as enthusiasts had to contend with a thick covering of cloud.

Glimpses were captured by eagle-eyed photographers at Thornham Harbour and in Norwich as the canopy of cloud parted just long enough to reveal the phenomenon.

The event, described as 'undeniably beautiful' by American space agency Nasa, will not be matched until the moon makes a similar approach in 2034.

Eastern Daily Press: A beautiful shot of the Supermoon. By Anil VohoraA beautiful shot of the Supermoon. By Anil Vohora (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

The moon's proximity to the horizon caused an optical illusion known as the 'low-hanging moon' effect, where it can be measured against familiar objects such as trees and houses.

Earlier on Monday the gap between the Earth and the Moon closed to its shortest point, known as the perigee – a distance of 221,525 miles.

The last time the Moon was this close to the Earth was in 1948.

Eastern Daily Press: One of our Iwitness users waited patiently till 1.44 am to get a view of the beautful Supermoon in Sprowston. Photo: Peter DentOne of our Iwitness users waited patiently till 1.44 am to get a view of the beautful Supermoon in Sprowston. Photo: Peter Dent (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

The reason the distance varies is the moon's slightly elliptical orbit. On average, it is 238,900 miles from the Earth, but at the perigee it is about 5pc closer. At its furthest orbital point from the Earth, the apogee, it is 5pc more distant.

Perigee and apogee distances vary from month to month due to several factors, such as whether the long axis of the lunar orbit is pointed towards the sun.

Yesterday's event was the biggest and best in a series of three supermoons. The first was on October 16; the third is due on December 14.

Eastern Daily Press: The Moon on the eve of the Supermoon on Monday 14th November. Photo: Val BondThe Moon on the eve of the Supermoon on Monday 14th November. Photo: Val Bond (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

Upload your pictures at www.iwitness24.co.uk