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

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.

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.

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.

Read more:

• Spectacular meteor shower dazzles Greater Manchester skies
• The Weeknd’s giant view-blocking moon balloon upsets Manchester audience

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