Brightest supermoon known as Hunter's Moon visible in London tonight
The brightest supermoon of the year is in the sky tonight promising stargazers a unique sight that cannot be missed. Known as the Super Hunter's Moon it is due to appear at 5.56pm this evening in the East.
Supermoons happen because of the moon's elliptical orbit around the Earth meaning it comes closer than usual every now and then. When it's at its closest, like tonight, it can appear 15 per cent brighter and look 30 per cent larger than usual. This closest point is called the 'perigee' while its furthest is the 'apogee'.
READ MORE: The electric heater that's 'perfect' for warming up a room
This moon's full moon is known as the Hunter's Moon - known for its brightness to help hunters pursue their game at night in days gone by - and it happens to coincide with being a supermoon. It is the closest supermoon to the Earth this year.
Full moons are often named after Native American traditions who used the moon as a time-keeping tool. However, this moon has many names in different cultures - Buddhists say this moon marks the end of the three-month Vassa fasting period for monks. The first recorded written use of the term Hunter's Moon was in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1710, The Sun said.
This Hunter's Moon follows last month's Harvest Moon in September which was accompanied by a rare partial lunar eclipse, making the moon appear orange in colour.
Will the supermoon be visible in London tonight?
Weather always should be considered when planning to go stargazing. Tonight we're in luck as the Met Office has predicted the entire night to be nearly totally cloudless. This means unobstructed beautiful views of the glowing giant orb in all its glory.
Temperatures are mild - around 16C to 14C - so not too bad to go and have a peak outside in, thankfully there is no rain predicted either with there being no clouds.
The moon will look especially full for today and until Friday morning. From that time onwards it will begin to dim again and return to its normal size.
Get the top stories from across London directly to your inbox. Sign up for MyLondon's The 12 HERE to get the biggest stories every day