The solar system really came out in force for the first day of 2018, with the year's first supermoon rising above the heavens on New Year's Day.
The supermoon looked especially spectacular above Ireland, and photographer John Coveney was there to capture it in all its glory.
At dusk, he went to Myrtleville Beach in Co. Cork to watch as the supermoon rose over Roches Point at the mouth of Cork Harbor during a brief lull between Storms Dylan and Eleanor.
A supermoon is a name given to the rare natural phenomenon when a full moon occurs at the very same time that the moon is at its closest point to the Earth--known as perigee--caused by the fact that the Earth’s satellite does not travel around us in a perfectly circular orbit.
When this coincides with a full moon, the moon can appear as much as 30% larger to the naked eye. Watching the moon as it rises, however, will also create an optical illusion, known as the low-hanging moon effect, that will make it appear significantly increased in size.
Read More: Astronomy Ireland celebrates largest supermoon in 68 years
The first full moon of the year is known as a wolf moon, due to ancient beliefs that wolves howled more during a full supermoon.
Many other people in Ireland took to Twitter to share their stunning views of 2018's wolf moon.
I happened upon the rise of the Wolf Moon earlier near Annascaul lake...it took me quite by surprise. #Kerry #Ireland #photography #supermoon #WolfMoon #longexposure pic.twitter.com/NRnBBNmvzF
— Andy Sheridan (@jnrbaker) January 1, 2018
The New Years Day #Supermoon rises over #Newry Cathedral. Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ https://t.co/NfNE4k4s0g #supermoon #ireland #NewYearsDay @CarlingfordIRE pic.twitter.com/wpiUBlwP7i
— Newry.ie (@Newryie) January 1, 2018
Tonight's #supermoon from Ireland pic.twitter.com/WF1lVDfARa
— Eoin Campbell (@eoincampbell16) January 1, 2018
Last nights Super Moon Over Ireland ?? #sligo #nightsky #moonlight #NewYearsDay #2018 #newyear pic.twitter.com/hhuql6XbB3
— Tommy Fleming (@TomFlemOfficial) January 1, 2018
#Supermoon #WolfMoon New Year’s Day donegal Ireland before the clouds ☁️ rolled in pic.twitter.com/QBUw15DzuD
— John Mc Candless (@donaghca) January 1, 2018
New year's day #fullmoon #Welcome2018 #NewYearsDay #ireland @StormHour @barrabest @WizardWeather @DiscoverIreland @CapturedIreland @LeitrimTNetwork #2018ready #Supermoon #photography #moonphotography pic.twitter.com/jDjiiKZUfl
— NLphotography? (@nadinelorgie) January 1, 2018
Earthlings will be treated to another supermoon on January 31, so mark your calendars!
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