‘Sturgeon’ supermoon should be visible across our skies tonight
It's a chance to see the moon as close as it gets!
Last updated 1st Aug 2023
A supermoon is expected to be visible in our skies from tonight, assuming it’s not cloudy!
The 'Sturgeon' supermoon is set to occur at 7:30pm before rising around 9:20pm BST.
According to NASA; "The Moon will appear full for about three days from Wednesday morning through Saturday morning.
It's known as a Sturgeon Moon, named from the increase in sturgeon fish in North American lakes at this time of year.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon is a full moon which appears larger in the sky, because it’s closer to the Earth.
This is because the moon orbits the Earth in an elliptical shape and its distance away varies over time.
"The planet Saturn will appear near the Moon. Saturn will be near its brightest for the year, which will occur a few days later."
How to watch a supermoon?
Spectators won't need anything other than themselves to enjoy the supermoon, though binoculars may give a good close-up look.
There will be another supermoon during August's second full moon on 31st August.
Advice for stargazing: Shooting stars
1. Dark sky
You might not realise how much light pollution there is in your neighbourhood, find out more about light pollution and where you can find a really dark sky here.
Allow your eyes 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Don't forget that the moon can also interfere so try to avoid times when it is visible.
2. Date and time
To increase your chances of seeing some meteors make sure you find out the best time to look for them. Often it is when the sky is at its darkest (in the middle of the night), or if there is a meteor shower, when the radiant (where the meteors come from - the constellation Leo) is high in the sky.
3. Look in the right area
It sounds obvious, but the sky is a very large area and meteors are very fast! Make sure you know which area of the sky you should be looking in. The Perseids come from Perseus, the easiest way to find it would be to use a free sky map app on your phone.
4. Good weather
Again, it seems obvious, but there's no point in standing in the cold when it's cloudy. Check the weather forecast before going outside, and if it's going to be clear later on then wait until then if you can.
5. Don't use a telescope or binoculars
Using a telescope or binoculars will DECREASE your chances of seeing a meteor. Meteors are so quick that you are likely to miss them if you don't use the naked eye. Save your telescope or binoculars for the moon or planets.