A supermoon lit up Australian skies. Here's how it looked, and when you can see the next one

Wednesday night's moon appeared brighter and closer to Earth. Here's what it looked like from Australia.

The supermoon rises over Fingal Bay in Port Stephens, north of Sydney. Source: AP / Mark Baker

A supermoon lit up skies across the country on Wednesday night.

Here are some of the best photos of the moon from Australia — and when to catch another one if you missed it.

What is a supermoon and how common are they?

The term 'supermoon' — coined in 1979 — describes a full moon that occurs "near or at the time when the moon is at the closest point in its orbit around Earth".

"The moon doesn't have a perfectly circular orbit. Sometimes it's a little closer. Sometimes it's a little further," Dr Kat Ross, science communicator and astrophysicist at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research at Curtin University told SBS News.

An aircraft is seen flying past the supermoon as it rises in Brisbane. Source: AAP / Darren England

When the moon is closest to Earth — referred to as 'perigee' — and is full at the same time, a supermoon occurs.

Where was the supermoon visible?

"We're lucky. We'll get to experience this beautiful supermoon all over Australia. Wherever you are, you'll get to see it," Ross said earlier on Wednesday.

Ross had advised skygazers that to get the best view of the moon, one only needed to find an open area with a clear view of the horizon. Binoculars weren't needed, she said, because of how bright the moon would be.

The supermoon rises above Bald Hill at Stanwell Park, south of Sydney. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins

"Usually for astronomical events, we suggest avoiding light pollution; but in this case, your light pollution is also the moon. It's going to be so bright tonight that even if you're out in the country, it will fade out stars as well," she said.

"No matter where you are — even if you're surrounded by city lights — you'll get to see it."

The moon rising over Fingal Bay in Port Stephens, north of Sydney. Source: AAP / Mark Baker/AP

When are the next supermoons?

If you missed out on catching the supermoon on Wednesday night, never fear.

Two more supermoons are expected before the year ends: one on 17 October and the other on 15 November.