A FULL Super Flower Moon will fill the night sky from Monday – but where is the best place to view it?
We hope you get your cameras ready to take photos of this lunar phenomenon - the Moon will appear as an unusually large and bright disc.
You can see how magnificent it looks in this photo from Press Camera Club member Lana Huntley, who took this photograph of last year's Super Flower Moon on May 8, 2020.
Lana Huntley's photo of the flower moon last year on May 8
Known as the Super Flower Moon, it will appear at its best on Wednesday evening, but you will be able to see it from Monday through to Thursday.
You can't miss it - it will be big and bright, and sport an orange-gold hue!
Here are some more facts about this lunar spectacle...
What is a Flower Moon?
The May full Moon is traditionally known as the Flower Moon simply because it appears at the time of blossoming flowers.
What is a Super Moon?
Super Moons occur when a full Moon is at its closest point to earth. This will be the third Super Moon of the year.
During a Super Moon, the diameter of the Moon can appear to be about 14 per cent greater than an average full Moon.
When to see it
In the UK, the Full Flower Moon will occur on Wednesday at 11.32pm.
However, it will be possible to see the Super Moon for more evenings - the Moon will appear full from Monday to Thursday.
Where to see it
If you can get to a clear patch of sky, you should be able to see the Super Flower Moon.
But some of the best places to experience the phenomenon could be in one of the UK’s International Dark Sky Reserves.
What is a Dark Sky Reserve?
The dark skies above the North York Moors National Park Picture: STEVE BELL
Dark sky status is awarded to exceptional quality nocturnal environments that have minimal-to-no light pollution, making them the perfect spot for stargazing.
Of the world’s 18 International Dark Sky Reserves, the UK boasts seven in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), including the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales. We're also home to two International Dark Sky Parks - Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water & Forest Park, and Tomintoul and Glenlivet in the Cairngorms National Park.
Darkest skies in Yorkshire
Dark Skies Festival. Milky Way above Young Ralph's Cross North York Moors. Picture Steve Bell
North York Moors National Park: One of the UK’s newest dark sky reserves, North York Moors offers views of up to 2,000 stars at any one time, making it by far the best destination in the North to enjoy astro-tourism.
Yorkshire Dales National Park: The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the UK’s most picturesque landscapes and boasts large sections totally free of light pollution. Soak up the super moon from one of four designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites: Hawes and Malham National Park Visitor Centres, Buckden National Park Car Park and Tan Hill Inn.
If you take any photos of the Flower Super Moon we'd love to see them. Why not join our Camera Club and post them there. To join, click here, and start sharing your photos today!
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here