Full moon December 2024
Go big or go home.
(Or, more accurately, plan ahead or miss out.)
The full moon in December 2024 is going to be a big one. As in, the biggest and brightest full moon of the year. I hate to be that friend, but if you're into stargazing or moon-worshipping or just generally enjoying the night sky, you're going to want to mark this one on your calendar.
The science bit
The moon's orbit around the Earth is not a perfect circle. It's actually an ellipse, which means that sometimes the moon is closer to the Earth and sometimes it's further away. When the moon is at its closest point to the Earth, it's called perigee. And when the moon is at its furthest point from the Earth, it's called apogee.
The full moon in December 2024 is going to be at perigee. This means that it will be the closest to the Earth that it has been all year. And because the moon will be so close to the Earth, it will appear larger and brighter than usual.
What to expect
The full moon in December 2024 will rise in the east just after sunset. It will be at its highest point in the sky around midnight. And it will set in the west just before sunrise.
The moon will be so bright that it will cast shadows on the ground. And if you're in a dark area, you may even be able to see the moon's craters and mountains with the naked eye.
How to make the most of it
There are a few things you can do to make the most of the full moon in December 2024.
* Find a dark spot to watch the moonrise or moonset.
* Bring a blanket and some snacks to enjoy while you're stargazing.
* Take a walk or hike under the moonlight.
* Meditate or do yoga under the moonlight.
* Capture the moment with some beautiful photos.
But here comes the crucial part: to truly appreciate the grandeur of this astronomical event, you need to plan in advance. Pick your spot, organize your company, and double-check the weather. Because missing out on the spectacle of the year would just be a downright bummer.