December’s full moon is appropriately called the “Full Cold Moon,” although that name isn’t quite as relevant this year, considering the lack of bitter air around the country.

What You Need To Know

  • December's full moon is the "Cold Moon"

  • It's also sometimes called the Moon Before Yule

  • The moon is fullest Tuesday evening

  • The constellations Gemini and Orion are near the moon all night

The moon will become its fullest at 7:33 p.m. ET/4:33 p.m. PT on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

December's full moon is also sometimes called the Moon Before Yule, since it happens near the ancient celebration around the winter solstice. Native American names include the Long Night Moon–also because it falls near the winter solstice and the longest night of the year–and Big Winter Moon.

No matter the name, you can use the moon to find a couple of constellations. In the evening, it’ll appear right above Gemini and left of Orion. In the morning, Gemini is left of the moon and Orion is below.

Simulated view of the eastern sky the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 26. (Adapted from Stellarium)

You can also see the Big Dipper and Little Dipper in the northern sky throughout the night.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

-

Facebook Twitter