August's rare Super Blue Moon will be visible this week over NI
This will be the biggest and brightest Moon of the year 🌚
You might have heard the phrase ‘once in a blue moon’ before, well this week is your chance to witness a rare super blue moon.
A super blue moon is rare phenomena, during which a full moon appears twice in a month and is nearby to the closest point to Earth (Perigee).
The next full moon falls on Thursday 31st August, reaching its peak in the UK at 2.35am, according to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich.
The super moon will be most visible overnight from Wednesday 30th August, particularly in the early hours.
According to NASA, the next Super Blue Moon will not be visible before January and March 2037.
What is a super moon?
A super moon is a full moon which appears larger in the sky, because it’s closer to the Earth.
How to watch a super moon?
Spectators won't need anything other than themselves to enjoy the super moon, though binoculars may give a good close-up look.
What will the weather be like this week?
Tonight: Southern counties will be mainly dry with some clear spells tonight. In the north there will be a few light showers and some clear intervals. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
Wednesday: It will be a mainly dry and bright day with some good sunny spells. One or two light showers are possible. Maximum temperature 19 °C.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Cloudy with outbreaks of rain on Thursday. Cloudy start on Friday with patchy rain then becoming brighter with some sunshine. Saturday dry with sunny spells.
Check out some of the best places to stargaze in Northern Ireland are 👇
Darvagh Forest, Cookstown
Davagh Forest Park is the first place in Northern Ireland to be accredited as an IDA International Dark Sky Park. It is one of only 85 places around the globe to hold this distinction.
Carrick-a-Rede, Ballintoy
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge site is classified as one of the best places in Northern Ireland for stargazing. Periodically Carrick-a-Rede hosts special star gazing evenings for astronomy fans.
The entire The Antrim coast road offers points where the aurora sometimes makes an impactful show at night.
Mourne Mountains, Newcastle
There's no need to worry about finding a decent spot for your car or struggling with crowds to see the stars. The Mournes offer miles and miles of stunning scenery, hiking trails and nocturnal skies.
This is truly the perfect spot, void of any light pollution, so pitch up a tent and fall asleep staring at the twinkling sky above.
Oxford Island, Craigavon
Nestled on the banks of Lough Neagh sits Oxford Island! Fun fact: the area has hosted BBC Stargazing Live and has been named a top Dark Sky Discovery Site.
Delamont Country Park, Downpatrick
Another tranquil spot, this time situated on the shores of Strangford Lough.
This beautiful 200-acre park hosts monthly events here with the Irish Astro Association. These sessions cater for everyone no matter their experience, and all ages are welcome.
Divis Mountain, Belfast
The closest stargazing spot to Belfast has to be Divis Mountain, that towers over the city 478m high. The views overlooking the capital city are spectacular but cast your eyes to the skies and you'll still have plenty to see.
Th elevation is so high here, towards the top of the mountain sees very little light pollution from the city below.
Benone Beach, Limavady
Stretching from Lough Foyle and Magilligan Point to Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, enjoy seven miles of golden sands and unparalleled views across to Donegal. There's something so special gazing at the night sky with the sound of waves in the distance.
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