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.
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.
Three tiny ‘chaos potatoes’ have been born at Chester Zoo and they’re so cute
Emily Sergeant
Three tiny ‘chaos potatoes’ have been born at Chester Zoo… and they’re really flipping cute.
Born to parents Maris and Albert in late summer, the three rock hyrax pups – only affectionately known as ‘chaos potatoes’ – have just passed their first vet check with a clean bill of health, and now weigh roughly 350g.
Hyraxes are found across sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, where they live among rocky landscapes and are most active in daylight.
The litter includes two boys and one girl, and keepers at Chester Zoo have decided to give them potato-themed names – Russ, Spud, and Jackie.
Three tiny ‘chaos potatoes’ have been born at Chester Zoo / Credit: Chester Zoo
Currently, the three pups are a fraction of the size of the adults, which can weigh up to 4kg, but despite their small stature, they have an unlikely relative.
Believe it or not, rock hyraxes are actually a part of the same evolutionary group as elephants, as well as sirenians, which are the family of aquatic mammals that includes dugongs and manatees.
“Hyraxes are one of those species that you have to look for, but once you’ve seen them, they are fascinating to watch,” explained Megan Carpenter, who is a Keeper at Chester Zoo.
“The pups are little chaos potatoes. They are much more energetic than their parents and sometimes get the zoomies, darting about and testing their climbing and parkour skills.
“In contrast, the adults often wedge themselves into corners and grip on to steep rock faces for hours at a time. They’re incredibly well adapted to living among rocks and are much better climbers than you might expect.”
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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A TV channel playing Christmas films 24/7 is now back on air in the UK
Emily Sergeant
Do you think it’s too early for the ‘C word’? Never mind, you’ve already clicked on this article.
Sure, we may only be into our second full week of September, but given the fact the weather these past couple of days hasn’t exactly screamed summer, it already feels like the festive season is around the corner – but whether or not you think it’s too early to be talking about Christmas, it’ll soon be too tricky to escape from.
Especially not when the famous TV channel showing festive film favourites non-stop is now back on air in the UK.
Yes, you heard that right – Christmas films, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
If you’re ready to wave goodbye to summer, and in welcome autumn and winter with open arms, then there’s arguably no better way of getting into the festive spirit than with the long-awaited and highly-anticipated return of the TV channel that’s charmed audiences for over half a decade now.
GREAT! Christmas the UK’s biggest seasonal channel, and it’s now live on Sky, Freesat, Freeview and Virgin Media.
You can expect almost four months of back-to-back seasonal movies.
The 24-hour feel-good and free-to-air channel will be bursting with non-stop Christmas spirit, and will be showing a heartwarming lineup of festive films – including some absolute fan-favourite classics that make it to screens every year without fail, alongside some cheesy Hallmark classics, new channel premieres, and so much more.
Emily Sergeant -
19th August 2024 
