Supermoon 2019: When are the supermoons in February 2019?

Astronomers around the world were last month treated to a stunning Super Blood Wolf Moon. This incredibly rare Supermoon lunar eclipse saw our celestial satellite transform to an eerie rusty crimson hue. But if you were unlucky enough to miss that incredible event, there are other noteworthy night-time episodes to experience this February.

A New Moon will rise into the night skies this coming Monday, February 4.

The New moon will be found on the same side of Earth as the Sun, making it invisible in the night sky.

The best chance of catching the New Moon is to look to the heavens at 9pm GMT.

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Supermoon – Tuesday, February 19:

February’s main astronomical event is the Supermoon on Tuesday, February 19.

The moon will be found on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun, meaning its lunar features will be fully lit.

Supermoons appears slightly bigger and brighter than usual because they are at the closest approach with Earth.

February’s Supermoon is the second of three in 2019.

Experts name Supermoons Perigean Full Moons, or Perigean New Moons.

Stargazers should look to the skies from 3.53pm GMT for the best chance of catching it.

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Mercury visible – Wednesday, February 27:

February’s final astronomical event finds Mercury reach its greatest eastern elongation, on Wednesday, February 27.

February 27 will be the best chance to see Mercury for a while as the planet will be at its highest point above the horizon.

Watch out for Mercury in the western sky shortly after sunset.

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What is a Supermoon?

A Moon is dubbed “Super” whenever it comes within 224,775 miles (361,740 km) of Earth.

When compared to the Full Moon at Apogee, or farthest distance from Earth, the Moon can appear considerably brighter and larger.

The Moon always reaches its perigee during its 29-day-long lunar cycle but this will fall on a Full Moon every time.

Perigee is sometimes reached during a shrouded New Moon but this is not visible to the naked eye from Earth.

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source: express.co.uk