A FULL moon is set to be visible over Ireland this Halloween.
This year will mark the first time in over 40 years that a full moon will be visible over the island of Ireland on Halloween.
The last time a full moon was seen over Ireland on this particular date was all the way back on October 31, 1974.
Not only that, this is the second full moon over Ireland this month.
That means it is technically known as a “Blue Moon”.
There’s an extra reason to take in this rare astrological occasion.
According to Astronomy Ireland, there could be quite a while before the public gets another glimpse of a full moon on Halloween on these shores.
In fact, stargazers could be waiting another 20 years before a full moon returns on Halloween with experts projecting the next will arrive in 2039.
A rare and visually spectacular sight, the sight of the rare Blue Moon will provide at least some entertainment on a Halloween when trick or treating is prohibited.
Anyone hoping to get a look at the spectacular blue moon should beginning their stargazing at 3pm sharp this coming Saturday, October 31.
Speaking to The Irish Times, Astronomy Ireland’s David Moore urged “everyone to get out and look on the spookiest of nights” on what he is describing as “an extremely rare event”.
“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 added.
Moore also revealed this Saturday is the date the distant planet Uranus is at opposition to the Sun.
As the astronomer explained, a full moon is also when the moon is at opposition with the Sun, “so Uranus is close to the Moon that night also.”
“Uranus is 3.8 degrees above the moon that evening but at magnitude +5.7 and with a full moon so close you probably won’t even be able to see it with binoculars, and certainly not the naked eye - but still , it is nice to know Uranus is there to celebrate such a triple whammy!”
