Stargazers prepare for closest supermoon of the year – tonight!
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Budding astronomers are encouraged to keep an eye open for the highly anticipated Buck Supermoon taking place tonight.
The supermoon is expected to reach its peak illumination just after 6.30pm, but with our current hot weather, the best time for viewing will be later in the evening.
The release of the first set of stunning images from the James Webb Telescope has created a buzz in the astronomy world this week, creating a peak in interest when it comes to the night sky.
The anticipated event of the Buck Supermoon will mean stargazers only have to head out in the evening to feast their eyes on the stunning sight.
As this is still during daylight hours, and with such clear skies and bright weather, this glimpse will be before the moon has risen from our point of view in the UK.
Therefore, the best chance to see the supermoon will be later in the evening at around 10pm when the moon will be low on the horizon.
With such clear skies the moon will appear clear and bright, with a moon illusion also taking place which, makes it appear bigger and brighter.
Top tips to see the supermoon tonight
Either enjoying the warmth of the garden or admiring the night sky from a window, here are Parkdean Resort’s top tips for stargazing.
#1 Get up high!
The further up you are, the better your chance of a clear sky to see the stars, plus you'll be able to see low down to the horizon to watch the moon rise!
Take a hike in your local area and explore the surroundings to find the perfect stargazing spot! The further you are away from light pollution the better chance you'll have of seeing the stars.
Moons always rise in the east and set in the west - so follow this direction in your search.
#2 Turn off the lights
For those stargazing from the comfort of their homes, turning off the lights indoors can improve the visibility of the night sky, so long as you’re not afraid of the dark!
Artificial light can make it harder to see stars in the sky so make sure wherever you are is as dark as possible.
#3 Choose a night with clear skies
Parkdean Resorts suggests choosing a night when clear skies are expected for the best chances of seeing the stars.
Not only that, but planning the stargazing adventures for special celestial events such as the Buck Supermoon.
#4 Research what you’re looking at
Enhance the stargazing experience and download Star Chart free on AR enabled Apple or Android devices. Star Chart allows you to point the camera at the night sky and will tell you exactly what is up there!
#5 Use the Time and Date website for the best chance of spotting the planets!
Time and Date allows you to input your location, before generating information about when the planets are most visible.
With lots of helpful information about what's in the universe, this is a great way to educate the family about the wonders of space.
For more information about stargazing tips visit the blog post here.
