ONCE IN A BLUE MOON IS TONIGHT!
Blue moon: where and when to view the rare cosmic event set to light up the sky
Tonight's supermoon coincides with the start of the meteor season and the first blue moon in three years. The next blue moon isn't due until 2018
When will the 'super' blue moon appear?
A rare blue moon will be visible in the sky tonight for the first time in three years. The event coincides with the start of the meteor observing season which will peak in August with the Perseids meteor shower.
The phenomenon occurs when there is a second full moon in one calendar month. It is uncommon because the full moon cycle is 29.5 days.
Where is the best place to see it and at what time?
The blue super moon is at its fullest during the daytime at 11.43am, but as the sun goes down it is best seen in the south where skies will be clearer. Rain clouds could block out the satellite further North.
It is also a ‘supermoon’ which occurs when the moon is at its closest approach to the Earth, known as perigee. It means the blue moon will appear especially big and bright.