Sailors on the west coast who have a clear eastern horizon should have some of the best views of the “super blue moon” which may be visible over Ireland for the next three nights.
Astronomy Ireland says that having a full moon which is also a super moon and a blue moon at the same time “exceedingly rare” and there will not be another such occurrence until 2037.
Every two or three years, there can be two full moons in one calendar month, with the being known as a blue moon.
When a full moon occurs during the moon’s closest proximity to earth, it is known as a super moon and this usually occurs about three time a year, Astronomy Ireland says.
Astronomy Ireland chief executive David Moore told RTÉ News that as there are 12 full moons every year, there have to be 168 full moons to give one super blue moon.
It will occur on Wednesday, but Tuesday and Thursday’s moon should also look very full, he explained.
The best time to watch out is just as the moon is rising, from 2015 hours tonight (Tues), 2035 hours on Wednesday and 2050 hours on Thursday - presuming skies are clear.
Read RTÉ News here
