The best time to watch first lunar standstill in 18 years tonight
There's a lunar standstill on the horizon this evening, and here's how to make sure you get the best possible view.
In case you didn't know, this weekend marks the start of a seriously monumental occasion.
The first major lunar standstill in 18 years will be gracing us with its presence.
Yep, that's right - the first one since 2006.
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The more astrologically-minded and spiritual among us will want to hear this.
In case you need to brush up on your lunar standstill knowledge - there's no judgement here.
What is a lunar standstill?
It refers to when the northernmost and southernmost moonrise and moonset are furthest apart - which leads to the Moon rising and setting in the most extreme northerly and southerly positions.
The result is a very beautiful sight indeed.
The 'standstill' part of the name owes to the fact it appears to stay in the sky, within our view, for a long time.
And it's rooted in some pretty amazing history.
It's long been believed that lunar standstills had a huge hand in the way Stonehenge was designed.
The Station Stones of Stonehenge - the ones that form a rectangle - align with the Moon’s most extreme position, which is where it sits during the standstill.
Truly beautiful stuff.
When can I see the lunar standstill?
So, by now you're probably wondering how you can feast your eyes on this celestial wonder.
In the UK, it's going to be at peak visibility during the following dates...
- 21-22 June
- 21 July
- 19 August
- 17 September
- 17 October
- 15 November
- 15 December
How can I watch the lunar standstill?
All you need to do is head outside on the evening of the dates listed above and look up.
English Heritage will also be streaming this week's event from 21:30 BST on Friday (21 June) on its social channels.
This lunar standstill coincides with the summer solstice so we're all set for some awe inspiring views.
As for how to feast your eyes upon it, it's as simple as heading to a beautiful spot and look up.
And in case that wasn't enough Moon-related content for you, there's more.
Tomorrow (20 June) marks the start of the aforementioned summer solstice, which sets the perfect stage for the arrival of the Strawberry Moon.
Also referred to as the 'pink moon', it will be visible all over the world on 21 June.
As for where the phenomenon got its delicious sounding name, it has its roots from Native Americans who named it due to it coinciding strawberries ripening.
It's set to have an effect on four star signs - Taurus, Cancer, Capricorn and Pisces.
Happy Moon gazing one and all!
Kya Buller