Supermoon predicted to illuminate night sky over Kilkenny

Astronomy Ireland are predicating that tonight (Monday) will feature the first of four supermoons to illuminate the night sky this year.

Supermoons occur when the moon reaches its closest distance to Earth while being in the full phase.

Permission refused for 43 unit housing development in County Kilkenny

In each lunar cycle, which spans approximately 29.5 days, a full moon occurs when the moon is about 360,000 kilometers away from Earth.

This variation is due to the moon following an elliptical orbit around our planet rather than a perfectly circular one, resulting in fluctuating distances.

Throughout the year, several supermoons can be observed, as these unique events happen multiple times annually.

Astronomy Ireland are asking people from Kilkenny and across Ireland to send them your best photo of the supermoon rising (10.45pm) and email to 'magazine@astronomy.ie' where they will be archived in the national library for all time.