Stargazers are in for a treat tonight with the arrival of the Buck Moon and with clear skies forecast, it’s bound to be some sight.
There has been a lot of activity in our skies, from Supermoons to glimpses of the northern lights and SpaceX vehicles leaving whirling clouds through the night sky.
On Wednesday, not only will the moon have spectacular orange hues, as every rising Moon does when on the horizon, but the full “Buck Moon” also happens to be a “supermoon.”
READ MORE: Supermoon Ireland: Best viewing times this week as event to illuminate skies
According to NASA, a supermoon is when a full moon is within 90 percent of perigee (a moon’s closest proximity to Earth within a month).
The term “supermoon” was coined in 1979 and is often used by astronomers to describe a perigean, full moon - a full moon occurring near or at the time when the Moon is at the closest point in its orbit around Earth.
Because the Moon is in its closest approach to Earth, it can cause higher tides than usual.
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanack and NASA, it was named this by the native American people in honour of male deer - aka bucks.
It’s because this time of year is when their antlers emerge from their foreheads with a fur coating and continue to grow rapidly throughout the month.
Astronomy Ireland has confirmed that the spectacular view will be around tonight at 10:30pm and on Thursday night at 11:10pm - so you will have plenty of opportunities to see it.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “Astronomy Ireland advises everyone to take advantage of the fine weather with clear skies and get out and see the Supermoon tonight.
“Known as the Buck Moon, tonight's Full Moon is a Supermoon, larger and brighter than usual.
“Wednesday is the best night with moon rising 10.30pm but Thursday will be good also with moon rising 11.10 pm.”
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