STARGAZERS in Donegal are being urged to step outside tonight and tomorrow to witness an “exceedingly rare” blue supermoon, which is expected to be visible across Ireland.
A ‘supermoon’ occurs when a full moon aligns with the time the moon is closest to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter.
This particular event, where a blue moon coincides with a supermoon, is exceptionally rare and won’t happen again until 2037.
According to Astronomy Ireland, the moon’s distance from Earth can vary by approximately 15%, and when it is at its closest during a full moon, the moon’s brightness can increase by 30%.
Astronomy Ireland noted that full moons at this time of year tend to be lower in the sky, making it easier for photographers to capture stunning images of the moon against various landmarks.
As reported by RTE, David Moore from Astronomy Ireland emphasised that: “the best time to watch the moon will be as it rises and as the sun sets.”
During this period, a phenomenon known as the ‘moon illusion’ will occur, causing the moon to appear even larger to the naked eye.
“We want people to get creative Monday and Tuesday evenings from sunset onwards and catch the very rare SuperMoon Blue Moon from Ireland,” Moore stated.
Share/send your blue moons photos to t.mccormack@donegalnews.com
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