Meteor shower and supermoon to be seen in NI skies this weekend
Did you catch last night’s supermoon? 🌝
Last updated 12th Aug 2022
If you’ve always dreamt of catching a shooting star in action, it looks like you could get lucky this weekend in Northern Ireland.
Last night the fourth and final supermoon of the year thrilled locals, glowing a deep orange.
Stargazers will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of some of a Perseid meteor shower in the early hours of Saturday, with an estimate of around 150 shooting stars blazing through the sky per hour.
The display is caused by the Earth breaking into debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.
There may even be a chance to see some fireballs in the sky which are produced by exceptionally bright meteors as well as meteors with long trains.
How to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower:
The August full moon might make things a little trickier, but you’ll need a clear sky with minimal light pollution.
Try to stay away from tall trees or buildings, so your eyes can adjust to the dark sky.
What time is the meteor shower?
The best time to watch the Perseids is when the sky is darkest, which at this time of year is between midnight and approx. 5:30am in NI.
If you would like to go stargazing this weekend, check out some of the hottest spots in NI with the clearest skies…
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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