The last supermoon of 2023 will be visible on Friday night – with a slightly lesser spectacle visible on Saturday.
A supermoon occurs when the moon is closest to Earth. As a result, it can appear 30 per cent brighter than when it is at its furthest, meaning it is the biggest and brightest full moon people will see in their lifetimes.
Astronomy Ireland has urged people to go outside and see the last supermoon of 2023, adding that its appearance will be “almost as good on Saturday” as it wanes.
David Moore, editor of Astronomy Ireland Magazine, said: “The equinox took place on September 23rd and the full moon closest to that date is called a harvest moon. So, this is not only this year’s harvest moon, it is also the 4th and last supermoon of 2023.″
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Astronomy Ireland magazine is asking people to send photos or written comments of their observation for publication in a special review of the event.
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“The best time to watch is at moonrise, which is the same time the sun sets, when a further effect, called ‘the moon illusion’ kicks in, which can make the moon ‘look’ even bigger to the human eye/brain combination,” said Mr Moore.
“People get very creative at these ‘supermoonrises’ and line them up with buildings, sculptures, landscape features and even friends and families to make very creative photos and we want to feature them in Astronomy Ireland magazine so we are hoping people all around the island will send us their best photo for our special supermoon issue,” he said.
The best time to see the moon is at on Friday from 7:18pm in Ireland. On Saturday, the moon rises at 7:31pm.
