Supermoon 2019 tonight: How to see a worm moon in the UK during this year’s March Equinox

Brits may be able to catch a glimpse of the third and final supermoon of the year later this week.

The "Worm Moon" supermoon will light up the night sky when it appears in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Coinciding with the Spring Equinox, the supermoon will mark the end of winter and the beginning of some (hopefully) warmer weather.

Thursday's celestial spectacular completes the hattrick of supermoons visible in our skies over winter, with January 21 seeing a "super blood moon" and February 19 a "super snow moon".

Here is everything need to know about Thursday's "Worm Moon" supermoon.

When is the supermoon?

The final supermoon of the year will happen during the Worm Moon and just four hours after the vernal equinox.

If you're in the UK, the moon will be at its brightest at around 1.43am on Thursday, March 21.

However from the US your best chance of seeing it will be on March 20, at around 9.42pm EST and 6.42pm PST.

What is a supermoon?

A supermoon happens only when a full moon aligns with the point closest to the earth in the moon's elliptical orbit, known as the perigee.

During this time, the moon will appear 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than usual as it reaches its closes point to Earth.

What is a Worm Moon?

A Worm Moon is simply the term used by ancient Native American tribes and Europeans for a full moon that lands in March.

Ancient people used to mark the changing seasons by following the lunar months, naming the months after the features associated with that season.

The last full moon of winter is therefore called the Worm Moon because this is the time of year when earthworms start to appear after the icy ground thaws.

What is the Spring equinox?

The Spring, or Vernal, Equinox marks the astronomical start of spring, when the sun passes through the Earth's equator.

It will take place in the UK at 9.58pm, just four hours before Thursday's "Worm Moon" supermoon.

How to watch the supermoon

Some of the best spots to see the moon will be on higher ground, such as Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill and Alexandra Palace.

Hills which have clear views to the east and west are recommended, and if they sky is clear stargazers will have a better chance of seeing the supermoon as cloud hampers the view.