Summer is still in full swing, with all its joys of salty beach hair, dipping toes into freezing cold water and Aperol spritz on tap. But last night’s orange moon was definitely giving Gilmore Girls and Pumpkin Spice Latte vibes, with all the excitement and promise that spooky season has to offer.
If you noticed that the moon was looking particularly big and bright last night, there's a good reason. We’re currently experiencing a supermoon, and there will be one to gaze at each month until November. A supermoon happens when a full moon coincides with the moon being at its closest point to Earth in that month.
Although tonight’s forecast is for a rare blue supermoon, it won’t literally be blue in colour. But it’s not supposed to be orange, either. Here’s why…
It’s big, it’s bright and it’s bringing closure.
Why was the moon orange last night?
Last night’s orange moon was caused by smoke from wildfires across the Atlantic in Canada. It’s becoming increasingly common to see summer wildfires, even in the UK. Now, thanks to particularly intense blazes and the power of the jet stream, the smoke has arrived on our side of the ocean and is creating truly Insta-worthy sunrises and sunsets – as well as an orange moon.
The Canadian wildfires have been burning for several weeks and the smoke has been hitching a ride on the jet stream for the past few days. But if you were too busy screaming to Taylor Swift at Wembley or messaging your situationship on Hinge to notice what the moon was doing, no biggie. Tonight could actually be the best night to see the orange moon.
How can I see the orange moon tonight in the UK?
The orange moon has been visible across both North America and the UK over the past few nights, with New Yorkers reporting incredible, fiery sunsets due to the wildfire smoke.
If you want to see the orange moon tonight in the UK, you’ll want to grab some mates and find somewhere without too much light pollution and a clear sky. Especially as tonight could be your last chance to see it. According to meteorologists, unsettled weather over the next few days is expected to disperse the smoke, meaning the moon will go back to its usual milky-white glow. Cloud and rain in time for a Bank Holiday? How cliche.
But if you’re lucky enough to be somewhere without too much cloud tonight, you should be treated to an incredible sight thanks to the smoky orange moon coinciding with a rare blue supermoon.
Is it rare to see an orange moon?
Wildfire smoke isn’t the only reason the moon might appear a rusty, orange colour. During a total lunar eclipse, the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow, which causes it to appear dark and orange.
A lunar eclipse isn’t as rare as a solar eclipse, and can happen two or three times in a year. This means you could see an orange moon multiple times, if you know when and where to look. The next full lunar eclipse which will be visible from the UK is expected to be in early September next year, so mark your calendar now if you’re keen to get moon-gazing.
Plus, your empowering mantra for the month ahead.
