Big Moon Rising

[Tinkerbell]

According to our local weather man in the north east, there will be an exceptionally large moon rising tonight 22.06.05, just above the horizon at around 11p.m., which should prove quite a sight. Fingers crossed for a clear evening - hope I can stay awake to see it!!

[StuartDH]

Did anyone manage to see it? I got a great view from south Manchester and it certainly looked to be quite a bit bigger from here. It also looked to have a slight tinge of red, but I guess this could be due to the high smog warning that has just been issued by DEFRA

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ne...=959&Itemid=44

[Tinkerbell]

I saw it too, although it was in the wee small hours. It did look bigger but I understand it is something to do with the orbit at present, and being lower in the sky we have fixed objects to compare with it. Wouldn't it be nice if one of the forum members, who knows a bit about astronomy, could give us a bit more prior warning of any exceptional events.

[StuartDH]

There are usually quite a few events throughout the year that can be seen with the naked (even just full moons etc), and several more that can be found with a decent pair of binos or a telescope.

So, if anyone fancies helping build a calendar, by digging out info on the Internet, then just let us know and we'll put together an astronomy events page.

[henrya]

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I saw it too, although it was in the wee small hours.
Endquote

I went out this morning at 12.25 am and after struggling up the edge of the field behind my house to be able to see the relevant bit of the horizon saw a moon that certainly appeared to be larger

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It did look bigger but I understand it is something to do with the orbit at present, and being lower in the sky we have fixed objects to compare with it.
Endquote

I gather that's not the only theory - but yes, the orbit of the moon means that periodically (every 18 years I heard) the full moon appears low on the horizon to give us a good chance to see this effect.

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Wouldn't it be nice if one of the forum members, who knows a bit about astronomy, could give us a bit more prior warning of any exceptional events
Endquote

www.heavens-above.com is quite a good site (though it doesn't seem to mention the moon's recent appearance (but the site may be more US based)). But you can register your home viewing point, and get comet appearances, and information on Iridium flares, and satellite tracks etc

henrya