October 18th 2024.
On Thursday evening, stargazers in the UK were treated to a spectacular sight - the largest and brightest supermoon of the year. This month's full moon, known as the Hunter's Moon, is one of four supermoons in 2024. It appeared around 14% bigger and 30% brighter than a regular full moon, leaving those who witnessed it in awe.
For those who were unable to see the supermoon on Thursday, there is still a chance to catch a glimpse of it over the next two nights. However, the forecasted heavy cloud cover may make visibility spotty at best. The majority of the UK, except for a few areas in the southeast, will be covered in clouds tonight.
But despite the expected cloudy conditions, some fortunate observers were able to see the supermoon last night. In Falmouth, the moon appeared to have a pink tint as it rose during sunset. In central London, stargazers were treated to clear skies and shared their photos of the bright moon on social media.
One user shared their amazement at seeing stars in the sky, something they hadn't seen in a long time. Others kept their observations simple, noting that the moon was "bright af" (slang for "as f***") at the moment. In another photo, the supermoon was seen rising between two skyscrapers as the sun set.
In Oxfordshire, the moon was also visible in all its bright and clear glory. Daniel Brown, an associate professor in astronomy, explained that this month's full moon is the largest and brightest of the four supermoons this year. He also discussed the "moon illusion" - a phenomenon where the moon appears larger when seen near the horizon due to context with buildings, trees, and other features.
The term "supermoon" was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, referring to either a new or full moon that occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. Overall, the supermoon on Thursday left many stargazers stunned and in awe of the sheer size and brightness of our natural satellite.
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