Ireland to Witness Majestic Supermoon Spectacle on Wednesday

November 3, 2025

A captivating celestial event is set to unfold over Ireland this week as the second of four consecutive supermoons will be visible rising alongside the setting sun on Wednesday evening.

This dazzling display occurs because the full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth in its orbit, making it appear up to 30 percent brighter and slightly larger than a typical full moon. The phenomenon is known as a supermoon, and it’s a spectacle that draws astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike.

What Causes a Supermoon?

The Moon’s orbit around Earth isn’t a perfect circle; it’s an ellipse. This means there’s a point where the Moon is closest to Earth (perigee) and a point where it’s farthest away (apogee). A supermoon happens when a full moon occurs near perigee.

Adding to the visual impact is the “moon illusion,” a perceptual effect that makes the rising moon seem larger when it’s close to the horizon. For observers in Ireland, the moon will also appear full on both Tuesday and Thursday, extending the viewing chance.

Capture the Moment: A Photographic Opportunity

Astronomy Ireland is encouraging the public to document this event, inviting submissions of supermoon photographs for potential publication in their magazine and archiving in the National Library of Ireland.

David Moore, the editor of Astronomy Ireland’s magazine, noted the capabilities of modern camera phones. “Camera phones are now very powerful and capable of producing superb night sky photographs like this,” he stated.He pointed to successful photographs of the 2024 Northern Lights displays as evidence.

moore suggests incorporating foreground elements into supermoon photographs. “People can line up the supermoon with statues,landmarks,buildings,aircraft,birds,landscapes,mountains,standing stones,ships and seascapes to produce stunning photographs.”

Key Details for Viewing

Event	Date	Time (Irish Time)
Peak Full Moon	Wednesday	1:19 PM
visible Full Moon	Tuesday & Thursday	Evening
Best Viewing	Wednesday	At Sunset

This particular full moon is commonly referred to as the “beaver moon,” a name originating from Native American traditions related to this time of year.

Understanding Lunar Cycles and Supermoons

The lunar cycle, taking approximately 29.5 days to complete, governs the phases of the moon we observe. A supermoon,while visually striking,isn’t exceptionally rare. several supermoons occur each year, with varying degrees of brightness and size depending on the Moon’s exact distance from Earth. For instance, in 2023, there were four supermoons, and 2024 also presented multiple opportunities for viewing. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the term ‘supermoon’ gained popularity in the 1970s but the astronomical phenomenon has been observed for centuries.

Did You Know? The term “beaver moon” comes from traditions among Native American tribes, where it signifies the time to set beaver traps before the waters freeze over.

Further exploration of lunar phenomena can be found on resources such as NASA’s Moon website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Supermoons

• What is a supermoon? A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit.
• How much brighter is a supermoon? A supermoon can appear up to 30% brighter than a full moon at its farthest point from Earth.
• Is the “moon illusion” real? Yes, the ‘moon illusion’ is a well-documented perceptual effect that makes the rising moon appear larger.
• When is the next supermoon? Following this Wednesday’s supermoon, three more will occur in a row, offering further viewing opportunities.
• Can I photograph a supermoon with my phone? Absolutely! Modern camera phones are capable of capturing excellent images of the supermoon.

Will you be capturing the beauty of this supermoon? What creative compositions are you planning for your photographs?

What causes a supermoon to appear larger and brighter than a typical full moon?

What is a Supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides wiht teh moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit – a point known as perigee.This proximity makes the moon appear noticeably larger and brighter in the night sky than a typical full moon. The effect isn’t dramatic to the casual observer, but it’s a lovely celestial event worth looking out for. This upcoming supermoon is notably special as it’s predicted to be one of the most prominent of the year, offering stunning moon viewing opportunities across Ireland. Expect a lunar glow significantly brighter than usual!

When to See the Supermoon in Ireland – November 6th, 2025

Mark your calendars! The peak of the supermoon will be visible on Wednesday, november 6th, 2025. While the moon will appear full for three nights – November 5th, 6th, and 7th – the brightest and largest view will be on the 6th.

Here’s a breakdown of optimal viewing times (all times are GMT):

* Moonrise: varies depending on location, generally between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM. Check your local moonrise times using a moon phase calendar (see resources below).

* Peak Illumination: Around 9:30 PM on November 6th.

* Moonset: Varies depending on location, generally between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM the following morning.

Best Locations for Supermoon Viewing in Ireland

To maximize your supermoon experience, consider these factors:

* Dark Skies: Escape light pollution from cities and towns. Rural areas offer the clearest views.

* Clear Horizon: Choose a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon for moonrise and the western horizon for moonset.

* Elevation: Higher elevations can provide even clearer views.

here are some recommended locations:

* Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve: Officially recognized for its exceptionally dark skies.

* Wicklow Mountains National Park: Offers stunning scenery and minimal light pollution.

* connemara National Park: Another excellent location for dark sky viewing.

* Coastal Areas: The atlantic coastline provides dramatic backdrops for the supermoon.

* Remote Countryside: Any rural area away from major towns and cities will offer improved visibility.

Capturing the Supermoon: Photography Tips

Wont to photograph this breathtaking event? Here are some tips for capturing stunning images:

1. Use a Tripod: Essential for sharp images, especially with long exposures.
2. Camera Settings:

* Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for sharpness.

* ISO: Keep as low as possible (ISO 100-400) to minimize noise.

* Shutter Speed: Adjust to achieve proper exposure. Start with 1/125th of a second and adjust as needed.

* Focus: Manual focus is recommended.Focus on a distant object or use live view to achieve critical focus.

3. Composition: Include engaging foreground elements (trees, buildings, landscapes) to add depth and scale.
4. Remote Shutter Release: Prevents camera shake.
5. Shoot in RAW: Allows for greater flexibility in post-processing.

The Science Behind Supermoons & Lunar Cycles

The moon’s orbit around Earth isn’t perfectly circular; it’s elliptical. This means the distance between the Earth and the moon varies throughout the month. When the moon is at its closest point (perigee), it appears larger and brighter. A full moon occurs when the earth is positioned between the sun and the moon, fully illuminating the lunar surface. The combination of these two events creates a supermoon.Understanding lunar phases and the moon’s orbit enhances appreciation for this celestial phenomenon.

Supermoons and Folklore

Throughout history, supermoons have been associated with various myths and legends. Some cultures believed they influenced tides, weather, and even human behavior. While modern science explains the phenomenon through gravitational forces, the mystique surrounding supermoons continues to captivate people worldwide.The increased brightness was often linked to heightened energy or emotional states in traditional beliefs.

Resources for Tracking the Supermoon

* Time and Date: https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/ – Provides accurate moonrise and moonset times for your location.

* EarthSky: [https://earthsky.org/moon-phases/supermoon/](https://earthsky.org/moon-