If you missed the supermoon on Sunday night or early Monday morning, when it was at its biggest don’t fear: There’s still a chance to view the orb close-up in Austin tonight, and it should be quite the show.
The last time a full moon was this close to the earth was in 1948. It’ll be your last chance to see it this close until 2034.
The moon was at its fullest and biggest at 9:52 this morning, so tonight it will be a “waning gibbous” moon, according to Earthsky.org. Still, it’ll be so bright and big that you’ll likely be able to catch a glimpse of it wherever you are in Austin.
If you’re looking for an extra-special view, here are five places open to the public where you can view the supermoon tonight, and they offer great views of the city as its backdrop to boot. The moon rises in the east tonight, so you’ll want to head a little west to get your best views earlier in the night.
Zilker Park/Auditorium Shores
Good old reliable Zilker, so handy for so many fun things. Some of the best shots of downtown we’ve seen were shot here, and they’re even more spectacular with the ginormous orb behind.
Address: 2100 Barton Springs Road
Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge
To see the moon rise over Lady Bird Lake, head for Pfluger bridge, just east of South Lamar. You can enter from trails on either side of the lake, from West Cesar Chavez Street on the north or West Riverside Drive on the south.
St. Edward’s University
St. Ed’s has some of the best views in and of Austin, period, and its grassy soccer fields will be a great place to moon-watch.
Address: 3001 South Congress Avenue
Pennybacker (360) Bridge
You can’t actually camp out on the busy bridge west of downtown, but there’s a fantastic viewpoint on the cliff just behind it. It’s a short hike, but a little rocky, so, you know, don’t wear your party clothes.
Directions: Go south on 360 Loop /Capital of Texas Highway from 2222. After passing a neighborhood (West Courtyard Drive) and just before the bridge and light, you will see parking on the side of the road alongside a cliff to your right. Park there (even though it says no parking). The trail entrance will be located in the center of the lot.
Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach
Want to be rebel, turn your back on down, and see the moon over the river, up-close and personal? Head to the park at Festival Beach, or which stretches on the north side of the river on the East Side. There are lots of grassy, open spaces as well as riverside spots (including a pier and bleachers) that should offer great views.
Address: 2101 Jesse E. Segovia Street