Missed last night's blue moon? An 'extremely rare' event will take place in tonight's sky

Plus when to see three more supermoons this year — and an eclipse

Stargazers will be in with a chance to see an even rarer event this evening. Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

A rare supermoon lit up the sky last night across Ireland, but tonight will be the main event, according to Astronomy Ireland.

The spectacle is known as a blue moon and usually occurs about every two to three years.

An exception to this occurred in 2018, when two blue moons occurred just two months apart. The next time this will happen will be in 2037.

Stargazers will be in with a chance to see an even rarer event this evening, as Saturn makes an appearance.

Chairman of Astronomy Ireland, David Moore, said: “Tonight, the moon is near Saturn. So, [if] people look at the moon tonight, they'll see a bright star plainly visible to the naked eye just to the left of the moon.” 

For those with binoculars or a telescope, however, they will be able to see Saturn right on the edge of the moon and passing behind it.

This event is extremely rare, with Moore saying the last time he saw it occur was back in 1997.

The view is incredible. I can still see it now, 20-odd years later.

This will occur at roughly 4am for any night owls or early risers who want to try capture a photo or a video for Astronomy Ireland.

“If they stay up after midnight, they’ll eventually see the moon pass in front of Saturn – an extremely rare event.” 

The blue moon is not named after its colour, but rather when there are two full moons within a single calendar month. In fact, this supermoon has also been called the red moon for the colour it takes on in the summer haze.

Some have also called it the grain moon and the green corn moon.

The supermoon means Earth’s satellite is closest to the planet, and it appears up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter compared with when it is furthest away.

Some of those who were lucky enough to capture clear photos of the supermoon have shared them online, including this one from Steve Humphreys on X.

This picture from Alan Mac Cárthaigh shows the supermoon rising up over the Seven Heads Peninsula and Courtmacsherry Bay in West Cork.

“And I'll rise up, High like the waves..🌕🌊”. WOWZERS!! 😍. The Full Sturgeon Moon / Super Blue Moon rises mysteriously over the Seven Heads Peninsula & Courtmacsherry Bay in West Cork, Ireland! 🤩🥰📸🌕🌙🌊✨❤️ #SturgeonMoon #fullmoon #BlueMoon #moon #SuperBlueMoon #supermoon… pic.twitter.com/hOCsIXbIm0

— Alan Mac Cárthaigh 🇮🇪 (@AlanMcC82) August 19, 2024

Supermoons happen three to four times a year, with the next ones expected on September 18, October 17 and November 16. It’s anticipated that September’s supermoon will be even closer to Earth – sitting just 27,000 km away - and will feature an eclipse.