While Hongkongers should be used to looking up to the night sky and not seeing a blanket of stars, our clear weather does mean that we're in for a very rare treat this very evening. You might not notice it immediately, but the sky tonight will be lit by a 'supermoon' – in other words, the moon will be 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than it has been at any time since 1948. You won't want to miss it, either, because the next time the moon will be this big will be in 2034.
The impressive phenomenon occurs when the moon is closest to the earth. It orbits us in an orbit shape, so that's why sometimes it appears closer or bigger than it usually does. (The term 'supermoon', by the by, isn't an astronomical one, but it's a fair bit catchier than the scientific name of pedigree-syzygy.) As for when you'll see it, the moon will be closest to the Earth at 7.21pm Hong Kong time this evening, and will appear full at 9.52pm. While popular vantage points among natural surrounds include Tai Po, Shek O and Sai Kung, there's no reason not to do it in style. Check out one of these awesome Hong Kong rooftop bars for a Monday night drink with your view.