The last full moon of 2023 will appear on Monday, Christmas Eve, and rise to its highest point the next evening, providing a cosy lunar glow on chilly holiday nights.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac states that the full moon in December will be visible to the unaided eye as early as Sunday and will shine in the night sky for a few evenings after reaching its maximum fullness on Tuesday at 7:33 p.m. ET.
Naming the first full moon of winter
The Mohawk people are the Native Americans who first used the word “cold moon” to refer to this month’s full moon. The term was created in reference to the lower temperatures that are normally associated with December in the Northern Hemisphere. (Although the winter months are becoming warmer due to climate change.)
A reference to the fact that many deer species, including deer, elk, moose, and caribou, shed their antlers at this time of year as breeding season draws to an end, the last full moon of the year is also known as the “Snow Moon,” the “Winter Maker Moon,” and even the “Moon When the Deer Shed Their Antlers.” Next year, the animals will grow another set, usually larger.
Watching the spectacle
Additionally, this month’s full moon will be the first to emerge since December 21, also known as the winter solstice, which is when the year’s shortest day occurs.
As per the Almanack, the winter solstice Moon has the longest night because it follows the highest path in the sky and remains above the horizon for the greatest duration of any Moon.
Additionally, there will be plenty of viewing opportunities during the long nights due to the chilly full moon’s proximity to the solstice.
Anywhere there is a clear view of the sky, skygazers can catch a glimpse of the huge moon. However, observers might hunt for clear views of the horizon for the finest viewing experience.