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A rare blue supermoon is set to light up UK skies tonight… but it might actually be red

Well, this is controversial.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 19th August 2024

Astronomy fans are in for an absolute treat tonight, as a rare blue supermoon is set to be visible in UK skies.

Awkwardly though, it may not actually be blue at all.

Despite what Manchester City fans may think, this kind of blue moon has absolutely nothing to do with the colour, as the correct astronomical definition of a true ‘blue moon’ simply just refers to the third full moon in a season of four.

What makes tonight’s (19 August 2024) moon such a rarity though, and the reason why keen astronomers are being told to fix their eyes on the skies, is the fact that it’ll be a ‘true blue supermoon’, meaning it’ll be both a ‘supermoon’ – which is the informal name given for a perigee syzygy moon – and a ‘true blue moon’ at the same time.

Tonight’s blue supermoon is the first of four supermoons set to happen consecutively in 2024 over the next couple of months – with the other three to follow on 18 September, 17 October, and 15 November.

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A rare blue supermoon is set to light up UK skies tonight / Credit: Tom Lee (via Flickr)

But when exactly will you need to be looking up to the sky tonight then?

Well, according to experts, the best time to spot a supermoon is during moonrise, which is after the sun sets in the UK from 20:14 BST, and sightings are expected to be later the further north you are, so here in Greater Manchester, you’ll probably want to keep your eyes peeled particularly around 20:30 for the best shot a seeing it.

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As mentioned though, despite what the name suggests, this kind of ‘blue moon’ won’t actually blue at all.

Much to the delight of Manchester United fans, there’s a good chance the blue moon might actually appear red to the human eye, due to dust generated from widespread wildfires in places like Greece and the US.

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The key to getting the best view is, as always, to avoid anywhere with light pollution, like main roads or cities, and to just keep your fingers crossed that the sky is clear of clouds.

Featured Image – WallpaperFlare

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Space NK to give away hundreds of free goody bags at opening of new Trafford Centre store

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Space NK is set to open its new store in the Trafford Centre this weekend, and hundreds of shoppers are expected to turn out.

As the leading beauty retailer – which also recently just opened a swanky new store in Manchester Arndale – prepares to welcome cosmetics fans through the doors of its newest Greater Manchester home this weekend, customers are being told they’re in for a real treat, as the brand has now confirmed some exciting launch day plans.

The first 300 people to visit the new Trafford Centre store on Saturday (21 September) when it opens at 10am will receive an exclusive Space NK goody bag filled with items from some of the world’s best beauty brands.

Not only that, but the first 200 shoppers to spend £150 in store will also receive a goody bag that’s worth an incredible £300.

Known and loved by millions of shoppers all across the country for offering a wide range of products, including skincare, cosmetics, and even beauty ‘gadgets’ too, Space NK stocks more than 130 world-renowned brands.

Drunk Elephant, Nars, Charlotte Tilbury, and Diptyque are just some of the big names the retailer is known to stock, alongside a whole host of exclusive products.

The new Trafford Centre store will feature 18 makeup ‘gondolas’, more than 300 shelves of the most in-demand brands, and dedicated areas for customers to try products at their leisure.

Space NK is opening a new store in the Trafford Centre this weekend / Credit: Space NK (via Facebook)

To make sure no launch-day customer walks away empty handed, Space NK branded tote bags will be handed out to Trafford Centre shoppers, alongside a selection of different beauty samples for anyone joining the queue.

Across the opening weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday, any customer who makes a purchase in-store will also get the chance to play the ‘Spin to Win’ wheel game, and there’s loads of amazing prizes set to be won – including a much-coveted Space NK advent calendar, just in time for the festive season.

DJs will be blasting tunes to entertain shoppers all weekend long, and there’ll also be an exclusive set from TikTok sensation, the Altego twins, as well as complementary croissants and cookies for the first customers in the queue.

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Space NK will be located on Lower Peel Avenue in the Trafford Centre, and it officially opens for business from 10am on Saturday 21 September.

Featured Image – Supplied

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A popular Manchester bar is giving away hundreds of FREE beers next week

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

One of Manchester’s most popular city centre bars is set to give away hundreds of free beers for just two days only.

And it’s all to celebrate the long-awaited return of Oktoberfest.

In case you hadn’t heard, Manchester is gearing up for a two-week “Bavarian extravaganza” starting at the end of this month, as popular city centre hangout, Albert’s Schloss, unveiled its programme of Oktoberfest-themed events a couple of weeks back, and it’s packed with plenty of bier-fuelled fun, foodie classics, and round-the-clock revelry.

The much-loved venue has become “the ultimate purveyor of Bavarian bliss” in Manchester over the years, and 2024 is expected to be absolutely no different.

Revellers are invited to head on down to Schloss for a whirlwind of celebrations.

Throughout the 16-day event, which is kicking off from next Thursday 26 September, you can get stuck into everything from ‘Keg Tapping’, and sipping specially-selected beers, to experiencing must-see “eclectic” entertainment, a live Oompah brass band, best dressed competitions, and a whole host of other games and activities.

But it wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without the beer, right? Or should we say, ‘bier’.

Luckily, Albert’s Schloss will be serving Munich’s ‘Big Six’, making it the only venue in Manchester to serve all six of the legitimate Oktoberfest beers synonymous with the festival this year.

Annual Oktoberfest celebrations are returning to Manchester with a two-week ‘Bavarian extravaganza’ / Credit: Supplied

To celebrate the festivities in true Bavarian style too, Schloss will be giving away 100 free biers to the first 100 guests through the door on both Thursday 26 September and Thursday 3 October.

Eager bier-lovers will need to be ready to enter the venue from 5pm on both Thursdays if they want be in with the chance of getting to sip on a pint of Höfbrauhaus, Löwenbräu, Augustinerbräu, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, or Spaten-Franziskaner from the classic lineup, all without having to spend a single penny.

Schloss’ beloved Cook Haus will also be offering Oktoberfest classics too, like crispy Bavarian Schweinshaxe pork knuckle, and a whole section dedicated to Schnitzels and the traditional Bratwurst.

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Oktoberfest 2024 is running at Albert’s Schloss Manchester from Saturday 21 September – Sunday 6 October, and you can find out more on the venue’s website here.

Featured Image – Supplied

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