A RARE space phenomenon has been captured lighting up Colchester’s skies.

Stargazers have been treated to the rare appearance of the blue supermoon. 

Blue moons occur every two to three years when two full moons appear within the same month.

Gazette reader Michael Pountney shared his stunning pictures of the moon over Colchester. 

One image captures just before the moon emerged as it lit up surrounding clouds over the iconic Jumbo tower.

Fantastic - a better look at the clouds above the Jumbo before the supermoon appearedFantastic - a better look at the clouds above the Jumbo before the supermoon appeared (Image: Michael Pountney)

Beautiful - the supermoon over the cityBeautiful - the supermoon over the city (Image: Michael Pountney)

Supermoons only appear three or four times a year, making the moon appear brighter. 

The blue supermoon became 100 per cent full at 7.25pm on Monday and was visible until Wednesday. 

Despite being labelled “blue”, it remains the same colour but is 15 to 20 per cent brighter. 

The next blue supermoon is not expected until May 31, 2026.