IT’S 15% BIGGER than usual and 30% brighter. It’s the supermoon.

You were all busy snapping the moon last night as it burned bright above Ireland.

According to Astronomy Ireland:

By definition the full moon rises when the sun sets and there is also an optical illusion called the ‘Moon Illusion’ that makes the moon ‘look’ bigger when it is low down, just above the horizon. In fact, the Moon’s size does not change at all, it’s purely an optical illusion, but a very powerful one that will make the Supermoon even more spectacular.

We can expect the next Supermoon after this weekend on the night of September 7th.

Here are some photos our readers sent in to us – you can send yours to tips@thejournal.ie

Danny Dudek Danny Dudek

Supermoon in Donegal

John Nugent John Nugent

Gemma Carew Gemma Carew

Supermoon in Tralee Carol Hughes Carol Hughes

Grange in Cork Niamh O'Mahony Niamh O'Mahony

Niamh O'Brien Niamh O'Brien

Read: Gallery: The ‘super moon’ over Ireland>

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More