A stunning Blue Moon will grace Irish skies this weekend

A stunning Blue Moon will be visible this Sunday (Image: Getty)

Stargazers all around the country are in for a rare lunar treat this weekend – and Astronomy Ireland are looking for your pictures.

A stunning Blue Moon will grace Irish skies this weekend. The second full moon to appear in a single calendar month, the astronomical delight is not to be missed as it only appears once every two to three years.

A full Moon already appeared on May 1, so the full moon this Sunday will be a Blue Moon. But for anyone hoping to see a water coloured moon will be disappointed, it is dubbed a Blue Moon as a reference to the saying “once in a Blue Moon”, meaning something rare.

Astronomy Ireland is urging everyone to get out and see the Blue Moon this weekend, and to take a photo and send it to Astronomy Ireland magazine.

Unfortunately, Ireland’s stunning heatwave has passed, and some clouds and rain are forecast for the weekend, so getting completely clear skies may be tricky. The earliest moonrise from Ireland on Saturday is 9.30pm and on Sunday it is 10.35pm, so be sure to have your camera ready for those times.

“Full moons at this time of year are very low in the sky which is perfect for photos lining up landmarks, people, events for the whole night!”

David Moore, Editor of Astronomy Ireland magazine, said: “So we especially want people to get creative Saturday and Sunday evenings from sunset on and catch the very rare Blue Moon from Ireland and send their photos in for publication in Astronomy Ireland magazine where they will be archived for all time in the National Libraries of both Ireland and Great Britain, as well as being shared with thousands of Irish readers/stargazers across the island!”

“The best time to watch is at Moon rise, which is roughly 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.

Astronomy Ireland magazine is asking people to send photos or written comments of their observation for publication in a special review of the event, see ‘contacts’ section on the society’s website here.

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