The Christmas Cold Moon—also known as the Long Night Moon, Winter Moon, and Moon before Yule—is the last full moon of the year. Taking place right around the winter solstice, it has a special connection to the season that makes it a sight to behold.
Thanks to the extra hours of darkness this time of the year, the night sky is perfect for viewing the Christmas Cold Moon. If you’re wondering how to go about seeing it, here are some tips.
First, the moon’s appearance varies from year to year because of its changing orbit around the Earth. In 2021, the last full moon falls on December 29. So, a great time to look for it is the night of December 27 through December 29.
Another way to increase your chances of seeing the moon is by choosing a clear, dark location with as little light interference as possible. Parks and nature reserves are ideal locations for this as they’re usually away from city lights.
As for how to spot the Christmas Cold Moon once you’re in the right place, pay attention to the moon’s size, shape, and bright ring of light around it. This ring is called the moon’s halo, and it is caused by tiny ice crystals in the atmosphere refracting the moonlight. These ice crystals are typically present in the air during winter, making this time of year the perfect opportunity to spot the halo.
The halo’s size and brightness may also vary depending on how close to the solstice you view the moon. Generally, it will be most visible around the time of the solstice—or within a day or two after—so keep that in mind when choosing when to observe the moon.
In any case, the sight of the Christmas Cold Moon provides a beautiful and peaceful way to close out the year. To take in the full moon without ever leaving your couch or backyard hammock, consider picking up a pair of binoculars or telescope. With the help of these devices, you’ll be able to marvel at the ring of light around the full moon—a peaceful and satisfying way to close out the year.