The October full moon will reach its peak at 3:47 AM on Tuesday morning. As a supermoon, it will appear larger and brighter than a typical full moon.

A supermoon occurs when the full moon is at its closest point to Earth, known as perigee. At this time the moon can appear up to 30% brighter and 14% larger than usual.

October’s Harvest Moon, the first full moon following the autumn equinox, traditionally provided extra light for farmers completing the harvest.

In Dublin, the moon will rise at around 5:38 PM GMT on Monday. Observers are advised to look toward the eastern horizon shortly after sunset for the best view. A mix of scattered cloud and clear skies are forecast across much of Ireland, providing ideal conditions for some to see the supermoon in full.

Orionid Meteor Shower later this month

Skywatchers across Ireland can also look forward to the Orionid meteor shower reaching its peak on the night of October 21 to 22.

The annual display, caused by debris from Halley’s Comet, is expected to produce dozens of shooting stars across the night sky.

The best viewing conditions will be in the hours just before dawn, when the shower is most active. Observers are advised to seek a dark location away from city lights. Under optimal conditions, the peak can produce up to 20 meteors per hour, though cloud cover or light pollution may limit visibility.

Astronomy enthusiasts across Ireland will also have the chance to see the Draconid meteor shower, which peaks around October 8 (Wednesday). Unlike the Orionids, the Draconids move more slowly and are best viewed in the early evening rather than before dawn. While generally less active than the Orionids, the shower can occasionally produce brief bursts of meteors, offering an unexpected spectacle for stargazers ahead of the main event later in the month.