Skywatchers to be treated to two full moons in August 

Skywatchers to be treated to two full moons in August  Photos: Stock/Canva

December’s full moon the LAST for 2023

December’s full moon is the last of the year, and the upcoming event is sure to be spectacular. Here’s when to see it this month.

Skywatchers to be treated to two full moons in August 

Skywatchers to be treated to two full moons in August  Photos: Stock/Canva

December’s full moon is the last for the year, and the upcoming lunar event is something you’ll want to see before it’s time to switch the calendar to 2024.

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The month’s rare moon event is set to happen later this month, just a couple of days after Christmas. It’s called the Ice or Cold Moon due to the declining temperatures at this time of the year.

ALSO READ: What is a blue moon — and why do we care?

Here’s what to know about the last moon event for 2023, and what makes it special.

December’s full moon the LAST for 2023

According to the website Moon Giant, the last full moon this year happens on the 28 December.

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That just three days after Christmas, and the sky will be lit up by the lunar body until the end of the year. The next lunar event will only happen again in January 2024, which makes December’s something very special to see.

More about the cold moon

According to the website Time and Date, the December lunar event is called the Cold Moon – and that’s because of the weather at this time of the year in many parts of the world.

Sometimes, the last lunar event of the year is also called the Ice Moon.

The first full moon for 2024

After December, we can look forward to seeing the first full moon for 2024.

The first lunar event for the next year will happen on 6 January, according to the website Time and Date.

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Make sure that you set reminders to catch this special event in the new year – and good luck!

Send us your photographs!

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If you have any great videos or photographs of the moon to share with us, send what you’ve got to info@thesouthafrican.com and show off.

READ MORE ARTICLES BY FRANCOIS JANSEN (‘ALEX J’)