Full Moons have been historically both awe-inspiring and fear inducing for people the world over. Myths and legends have sprung from the regular occurrence, but the ultimate explanation is simply one of orbit. Now, the Full Moon has been subject to regular study, with people now able to understand when the Full Moon will reveal itself.
The next Full moon is imminent, only in the northern hemisphere.
When is the next Full Moon?
Full Moons are regular, but they do not always come on the same date.
This is because the presence of a Full Moon is dependant on the Earth and Sun’s position in the sky.
Despite this, they are predictable, and can fall anywhere from once to twice a month in the UK.
The next Full Moon in the UK falls today.
Friday November 23 marks the latest Full Moon in the UK, and the full spectacle is already available for all to see, as it started at 5.39am this morning.
Those wanting to see the full majesty of the event can do so now, since sunset took place at 4.02pm.
Stargazers may notice a slight different with today’s Moon, as the day marks the rise of a Beaver Moon.
The Beaver Moon is the first Full Moon of November.
The Moon also approaches closest to the Earth at this time, named ‘Perigee’, and despite still being a little ways off will seem much closer.
When is the Full Cold Moon?
The Cold Moon is a special event which only takes place once a year around Christmas time.
Exclusive to December, the Cold Moon is also known as the Long Night’s Moon, and has roots in ancient culture.
Some Full Moon occurrences are named for their appearance at a particular time of year, as ancient cultures often abided by the Lunar calendar.
The later months in the year yield cooler temperatures, hence the name Cold Moon.
In 2018, the Cold Moon will appear in the sky on December 22, at 5.48pm, the day after the Winter Solstice.
This is the case for the northern hemisphere, which has the winter months at the end of the year.
In the southern hemisphere, the winter months fall around May to August, so the Cold Moon falls in June.