Northern Ireland is in for a celestial treat as a remarkable lunar event, known as the Super Blue Moon, is set to peak on Wednesday night, with similar appearances expected on Tuesday and Thursday nights. The term “super blue moon” signifies the convergence of two lunar occurrences: the supermoon and the blue moon.
A supermoon arises when the moon’s orbit brings it closest to Earth, resulting in a larger and more radiant appearance in the nighttime sky. Conversely, a blue moon denotes the second full moon occurring within a single calendar month. The fusion of these two events creates a mesmerizing visual spectacle that enchants sky enthusiasts.
Astronomy Ireland reports that the last instance of a super blue moon was in 2009, and the next occurrence is anticipated in 2037. According to David Moore of the organization, only 168 full moons have produced one super blue moon, emphasizing the rarity of this phenomenon.
The most optimal viewing locations are coastal areas and rural regions free from light pollution, which provide unobstructed views of the sky. Notably, on Wednesday night, the planet Saturn will be positioned just above the moon, a remarkable conjunction that didn’t happen in 2009 and won’t recur until 2037.
The prime time for observing the super blue moon is during its rising phase. In the context of the island of Ireland, moonrise is expected at 20:15 BST on Tuesday, 20:35 on Wednesday, and 20:50 on Thursday.
However, the weather poses a potential challenge to witnessing this celestial phenomenon. Tuesday evening is predicted to have patchy cloud cover, offering intermittent clear glimpses of the event. Wednesday, the main night, is forecast to have cloudier weather moving in from the west, but some clear intervals are expected. Thursday is projected to be the cloudiest of the three nights.
As the cloud cover situation can change, keeping an eye on the weather forecasts for updates is advisable for those eager to experience this celestial marvel.