Dartmoor Supermoon: Best Viewing Spots & Tips

Meta: Discover the best places to view the spectacular supermoon on Dartmoor. Get tips for optimal viewing and photography.

Introduction

The supermoon is a celestial event that captivates skygazers around the world, and Dartmoor National Park in the UK offers some truly spectacular viewing opportunities. If you're planning to witness this amazing sight, particularly a Dartmoor supermoon, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to find the perfect spot, prepare for your outing, and capture stunning memories. This article will cover everything from optimal locations within the park to what to bring and how to photograph this awe-inspiring phenomenon. This is your guide to getting the most out of viewing this extraordinary event.

A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth in its orbit, making it appear significantly larger and brighter than a typical full moon. Dartmoor, with its vast open spaces and minimal light pollution, provides an ideal backdrop for observing this breathtaking display. Getting away from city lights allows for a clearer and more vivid view of the lunar spectacle.

Finding the Best Dartmoor Viewing Locations for the Supermoon

Identifying the best viewing locations for a supermoon on Dartmoor involves considering factors like minimal light pollution, clear horizons, and accessibility. Dartmoor's expansive landscape offers numerous spots where you can fully appreciate the celestial display. The key is to find areas away from major settlements and sources of artificial light. This will allow you to fully enjoy the stunning detail of the moon without being distracted by any unnecessary lights.

Prime Viewing Locations on Dartmoor

• Haytor Rocks: This iconic landmark provides an elevated vantage point with panoramic views across the moor. The dramatic rock formations also add a striking foreground to your supermoon photographs. Its accessibility also makes it a popular choice, but arrive early to secure a good spot.
• Hound Tor: Similar to Haytor, Hound Tor offers a high vantage point with a clear view of the horizon. The rugged landscape creates a beautiful contrast with the smooth, luminous surface of the moon. This location is known for its relative darkness, making it excellent for stargazing.
• Widecombe-in-the-Moor: This picturesque village, nestled in the heart of Dartmoor, offers dark skies and open fields perfect for supermoon viewing. The village itself is charming, and the surrounding countryside provides ample space to set up your viewing equipment.
• Cadover Bridge: Situated near the River Plym, Cadover Bridge provides a tranquil setting for observing the supermoon. The open space around the bridge allows for unobstructed views of the sky, and the river can add a reflective element to your photographs.
• Princetown: While Princetown has some light pollution from the prison, the surrounding moorland still provides dark viewing areas. Find a spot just outside the town for optimal viewing conditions. The higher elevation in this area can also offer clearer views.

When choosing your location, consider the direction the moon will rise. Check a moonrise calendar or app specific to Dartmoor's location to plan accordingly. Arriving at your chosen spot before sunset will allow you to set up your equipment and familiarize yourself with the surroundings.

Essential Gear for Supermoon Viewing

Being well-prepared is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable supermoon viewing experience on Dartmoor. Remember that Dartmoor's weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to pack for all conditions. Bringing the right equipment not only enhances your viewing experience but also ensures your safety and comfort in the Dartmoor wilderness.

Here is a list of items you should consider bringing:

• Warm clothing: Even in summer, temperatures on Dartmoor can drop significantly at night. Layers are key to staying comfortable. A waterproof jacket and trousers are essential in case of rain or mist.
• Sturdy footwear: The terrain on Dartmoor can be uneven and rocky, so wear hiking boots or other supportive shoes.
• A flashlight or headlamp: Essential for navigating in the dark, especially if you are walking on uneven ground. A red-light setting is preferable as it preserves your night vision.
• Binoculars: While the supermoon is visible to the naked eye, binoculars can enhance your viewing experience, revealing more detail on the lunar surface.
• Camera and tripod: If you want to capture the supermoon, a camera with manual settings and a sturdy tripod are essential. A remote shutter release can also help prevent camera shake.
• Blanket or folding chair: For comfortable viewing, bring a blanket to sit on or a folding chair. You'll likely be spending a few hours observing the moon, so comfort is important.
• Hot drinks and snacks: Pack a thermos of hot tea, coffee, or soup, and bring some snacks to keep your energy levels up.
• Map and compass or GPS: If you are venturing far from main roads, a map and compass or GPS device can help you navigate, especially in the dark.

Remember to inform someone of your plans and expected return time, especially if you are hiking in a remote area. Safety should always be your top priority when exploring Dartmoor at night.

Tips for Photographing the Dartmoor Supermoon

Photographing the supermoon over Dartmoor requires some technical know-how and creative planning to capture the breathtaking scene effectively. The Dartmoor landscape, with its dramatic tors and expansive skies, provides a stunning backdrop for lunar photography. Understanding your camera settings and composing your shots thoughtfully will help you capture images that do justice to this celestial event.

Camera Settings and Techniques

• Use a tripod: A stable tripod is essential for sharp images, especially in low-light conditions. This prevents camera shake and allows for longer exposures.
• Shoot in manual mode: Manual mode gives you full control over your camera settings, allowing you to fine-tune the exposure for the supermoon. Start with a low ISO (100-400) to minimize noise, and adjust your aperture and shutter speed accordingly.
• Aperture: An aperture of f/8 to f/11 is a good starting point for lunar photography. This provides a good balance between sharpness and depth of field.
• Shutter speed: The shutter speed will depend on the brightness of the moon and your aperture. Start with a shutter speed of 1/250th of a second and adjust from there. Use your camera's light meter to help you find the correct exposure.
• Focus: Manual focus is often the best way to ensure a sharp image of the moon. Use your camera’s live view feature to zoom in on the moon and adjust the focus ring until the surface details are sharp.
• Remote shutter release: Using a remote shutter release or your camera’s self-timer can help minimize camera shake during long exposures.

Composition Tips for Stunning Supermoon Photos

• Include foreground elements: Incorporating elements of the Dartmoor landscape, such as tors, trees, or stone walls, can add depth and interest to your photos. Plan your shot to include these elements in the foreground.
• Use the rule of thirds: Position the moon off-center in your frame to create a more dynamic composition. The rule of thirds suggests dividing your frame into nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines and placing key elements along these lines or at their intersections.
• Shoot during the golden hour or blue hour: The hour after sunset (golden hour) and the hour before sunrise (blue hour) offer beautiful ambient light that can enhance your photos. Shooting during these times can add a warm or cool tone to your images.
• Experiment with different focal lengths: A longer focal length lens (200mm or more) will allow you to capture more detail on the moon’s surface. A wider lens can be used to capture more of the surrounding landscape.
• Scout your location: Visit your chosen location during the daytime to scout for good vantage points and plan your composition. This will help you make the most of your time when the supermoon rises.

Understanding Supermoons: Science and Spectacle

To fully appreciate a supermoon, it helps to understand the science behind this astronomical event and how it differs from a regular full moon. This understanding enriches the viewing experience, allowing you to connect with the cosmos on a deeper level. Knowing the mechanics of supermoons also adds an educational dimension to your stargazing adventure.

The Science Behind Supermoons

The moon’s orbit around the Earth is not perfectly circular; it’s an ellipse. This means that the distance between the Earth and the Moon varies throughout the month. The point in the Moon’s orbit when it is closest to Earth is called perigee, and the point when it is farthest is called apogee. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon being at or near its perigee.

When a full moon occurs near perigee, it appears larger and brighter in the sky than a regular full moon. The difference is subtle but noticeable; a supermoon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a full moon at apogee. This difference is enough to make the supermoon a particularly striking sight, especially when viewed from a dark location like Dartmoor.

Supermoons vs. Regular Full Moons

The visual difference between a supermoon and a regular full moon is often debated, but there are measurable differences in size and brightness. While the change may not be dramatic, the psychological impact of viewing a supermoon can be significant. The sense of awe and wonder evoked by this celestial event adds to its allure.

Supermoons also tend to have a stronger influence on tides due to their closer proximity to Earth. The increased gravitational pull results in higher high tides and lower low tides, although this effect is usually more pronounced during spring tides (which occur during new and full moons).

Anticipating Future Supermoons

To plan your future supermoon viewings, you can consult astronomical calendars and websites that provide information on lunar events. These resources will list the dates of upcoming full moons and indicate when they coincide with perigee. This allows you to plan your trip to Dartmoor or other dark-sky locations well in advance, ensuring you don’t miss this spectacular event.

Conclusion

Witnessing a supermoon over Dartmoor is an unforgettable experience. By choosing the right location, preparing with the appropriate gear, and understanding the science behind the event, you can fully appreciate this celestial spectacle. Now that you have the knowledge, it's time to plan your trip and experience the magic of the Dartmoor supermoon for yourself. Next, check an astronomical calendar and start planning your visit around the next supermoon event. Enjoy the show!

FAQ: Dartmoor Supermoon Viewing

Where are the darkest spots on Dartmoor for stargazing?

Dartmoor National Park is renowned for its dark skies, but some areas are darker than others. Haytor Rocks, Hound Tor, and the areas around Widecombe-in-the-Moor are particularly good for stargazing due to their minimal light pollution. These locations offer vast, unobstructed views of the night sky, making them perfect for observing a supermoon.

What's the best time to view the supermoon?

The best time to view the supermoon is shortly after moonrise or just before moonset. When the moon is close to the horizon, it appears larger due to an optical illusion and the atmospheric perspective enhances its color and brightness. Check a moonrise/moonset calendar specific to Dartmoor's location for accurate times.

What if the weather on Dartmoor is cloudy?

Dartmoor's weather can be unpredictable, so cloudy skies are always a possibility. If the forecast is unfavorable, it’s best to have a backup plan. Consider visiting a planetarium or checking out online resources for virtual supermoon viewing. You can also use the time to research other astronomical events and plan future viewing opportunities. Waiting for a clearer night is always an option, as supermoons occur several times a year.