This weekend will offer a rare treat for stargazers with a special lunar event which last took place almost three years ago
You can get some stunning photographs of the moon depending on your location
Irish stargazers will be treated to a rare spectacle this weekend as a ‘Blue Moon’ is set to light up our night sky.
And members of the public have been urged to get their cameras at the ready to catch a snap of the rare lunar phenomenon as there won’t be another one for quite some time.
A Blue Moon is the second Full Moon in the same calendar month. We had a Full Moon on May 1 and so the Full Moon on Sunday morning will be known as a ‘Blue Moon’.
Blue Moons are rare and happen only every two to three years. This weeked marks the first time since August 2023 that there have been two full moons in the same calendar month.
The next monthly Blue Moon is set to occur December 31 2028, while the next seasonal Blue Moon will rise on May 20, 2027
While the name is a bit deceiving, the Moon won’t actually appear blue, our closest celestial neighbour will be much brighter and dazzling over the few nights this week.
Here’s all you need to know about the rare lunar event.
When can I see it?
May’s blue moon will appear fullest, or peak, at 9.45am on Sunday morning, although the best time for stargazers will be on Saturday evening, when the moon rises shortly after sunset, which is roughly 10.45pm, and stays visible throughout the night.
It will sit relatively low in the southern sky, so choosing a location with clear views of the eastern and southern horizon, away from tall buildings and trees, will provide the best experience
According to David Moore, Editor of Astronomy Ireland magazine: “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.”
A Full Moon is exactly opposite the Sun in the sky so it roughly rises at sunset and sets at sunrise. The earliest moonrise from Ireland on Saturday is 9.30pm and on Sunday it is 10.35pm.
With the naked eye you sometimes see the Moon 2 or 3 times bigger than it really is, the “Moon illusion” so watch out for this too – it only happens when the Moon is low down.
Blue Moon at 2023 summer
How can I watch it?
You do not need any special equipment or to be in a particular location to observe the moon, as long as there is a spot free of clouds it should be visible
Keeping an eye on the weather is advised, with some showers forecast on Saturday night meaning there may be some small visibility issues.
Binoculars are a great way to enhance the view, revealing darker maria and brighter crater regions on the lunar surface. Smartphones can also capture impressive images when mounted on a tripod and used with manual exposure settings.
Get involved
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.
“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!” said Moore.
“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!”
Do I need a good camera to take a photo?
Moore has said that “even camera phones can take great photos of the Moon these days, either close up, or against a backdrop of buildings, statues or landscapes”.
He also urged people to be patient “even if the skies are a bit cloudy”, because all it takes is for the moon to “pop out during a break in the clouds, and you’ve got it”.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.