It's an astronomical sight that hasn't been spotted in the night skies in 70 years and lucky stargazers in Scotland could be in with the best view, as the much-anticipated “supermoon” is set to light up on Monday, 14 November (just think of Elliott riding his bicycle across a full moon in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for an idea of the magnificence).

Scotland's Dark Sky rangers are encouraging people to look out for the moon, which will be one-third brighter and 14 per cent bigger than a normal full moon.  Scotland offers the ideal location to view such a special event.  Light pollution free areas provide a natural view of the night sky, and this will allow the brilliant moon to shine over such areas such as Galloway's Dark Sky Park.

Jesse Beaman, a Dark Sky Ranger as well as co-owner of Viridian Skies, which specialises in astrophotography and stargazing holidays in Dumfries and Galloway, said:

“The moon has an elliptical orbit, meaning that sometimes it is closer to Earth (perigee at its closest point) and sometimes it's further away (apogee). When the full moon coincides roughly around the perigee, it appears larger and brighter in the sky.  The 'Supermoon' next week is special because the moon becomes full at only two hours away from perigee; this means the moon will appear at its brightest and largest since 1948.  It won't happen again until 2034.

“Crossing a frosty landscape in Scotland by the light of the moon is one of the most magical experiences to be had… Scotland offers Dark Skies, lochs, mountains, woodland, rivers and beautiful shores to compliment the November 'Supermoon' and it's an experience that should definitely not be missed”.