Last Full Moon of the Year to Illuminate Winter Skies #

The final full moon of the year will grace the night sky this weekend, shining brightly for over 16 hours from Saturday evening into Sunday morning. Known as the long night moon or the cold moon, it will reach peak illumination early Sunday.

The moon will appear round to the naked eye for about three days. In the Northern Hemisphere, it will seem to reach higher in the sky than usual, following a high and long track across the night. Conversely, those in the Southern Hemisphere will see the moon for a shorter time, following a lower arch.

This celestial phenomenon occurs when Earth is positioned between the moon and the sun as the moon orbits our planet. The cold moon’s name reflects the bitter weather typically found in the Northern Hemisphere during this time of year.

For optimal viewing, observers are advised to look when the moon has just risen or is about to set, seeing it near the horizon. Clear skies will provide the best conditions for moon-gazing.

The moon’s cratered surface serves as a testament to the impacts both the moon and Earth have endured over their 4.5 billion-year history. Many mysteries about our celestial neighbor remain unsolved, including the far side of the moon, theories about water-rich lunar poles, and the possibility of future human habitation.

This December full moon occurs one week before the winter solstice, which marks the Northern Hemisphere’s longest night and shortest day. The winter solstice will take place on December 21.

Two meteor showers will close out the year. The Geminids will be visible until December 21, while the Ursids will peak on December 21-22.