LAST UPDATE | 7 Oct

DID YOU SPOT last night’s rare supermoon? If not, don’t worry — you’ll have another chance to catch it this evening.

Last night marked the first of four consecutive supermoons that will light up our skies before the end of the year.

According to Astronomy Ireland, it’s “the brightest and biggest” type of full moon most people would get the chance to see in their lifetimes.

The organisation added that the supermoon should be visible again at sunset tonight, which is expected around 6.45pm.

A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth, making it appear up to 30 per cent brighter and 14 per cent larger than usual.

Another visual effect, known as the ‘Moon Illusion’, can make it seem even larger as it rises above the horizon.

The 'supermoon' pictured over Lough Boora in Co Offaly. Celine nic Oireachtaigh Celine nic Oireachtaigh

While much of the country may wake to cloudy skies this morning, conditions are expected to clear by afternoon, giving onlookers a good chance to enjoy the celestial display.

October’s full moon is also known as the Harvest Moon, the full moon closest to the September equinox (which occurred on 22 September).

The name comes from the time when bright moonlight allowed farmers to harvest crops in the evening.

If you’re worried about not having the right equipment — don’t be. Astronomy Ireland says most modern smartphones can capture excellent night-sky photos.

The Moon officially reached its “full” phase at 4.48am this morning, but it will continue to appear full to the naked eye for two or three more nights.

David Moore from Astronomy Ireland encouraged the public to snap as many pictures as they can of the rare celestial event.

“We are asking the general public to line up the moon with interesting objects or landscapes in the foreground and send their best snap to Astronomy Ireland,” Moore said.