Gazing at the supermoon - Edward Whitaker captures astronomical phenomenon in all its glory on the gallops

Stargazers were given a rare treat on Tuesday night as the skies of Britain and Ireland were illuminated by a stunning supermoon.

According to NASA, a supermoon occurs when the moon's orbit is closest (perigee) to Earth at the same time it is full.

And the Racing Post's multiple award-winning photographer Edward Whitaker was present on Donald McCain's gallops at Cholmondeley in Cheshire to witness the astronomical masterpiece in all its glowing glory, accompanied by the Grand National-winning trainer, his daughter Abbie and seven-year-old Hidalgo De L'Isle.

Here is a taste of what Edward captured . . .

Gazing at the supermoon

Donald McCain, daughter Abbie and Hidalgo De L'Isle watch the spectacular Harvest supermoonCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

The stunning Harvest supermoon was visible from the gallopsCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

The scene from the gallops of Donald McCain following the rise of the Harvest supermoonCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Hidalgo De L'Isle (ridden by Abbie McCain) greets trainer Donald McCainCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

A spectacular image of Hidalgo de L'Isle and Abbie McCain on the gallops in Cholmondeley, CheshireCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Read these next:

Cosmic Year made 20-1 for 2,000 Guineas after stunning Sandown debut 

City Of Troy's Breeders' Cup Classic bid won't be shown on ITV owing to programming clash 

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.