Get ready, South Carolina. The last full moon of the year is nearly upon us and it's set to be a real doozy. Set your calendar reminders for December 18 - 20, coincidentally, a three-day stretch that includes a weekend so you can sit up all night and gaze at the Moon Before Yule.
The moon is also called the Long Nights Moon because it takes place so close to the winter solstice - the longest night of the year, on December 21st.
On December 18th, the moon will rise in the east at 4:58 p.m.
According to the weather forecast, that occasion will pair with mild temps that make it easy to sit outside on the deck and take it all in. Along the coast, temperatures are expected to be in the low 60s overnight; while in the mountains they'll drop to the low 50s.
Professional and amateur photographers are already dreaming up the best locations to photograph the last full moon of 2021.
Whether you're in the Midlands, along the Coast, in the Piedmont, or in the Upstate, you will hopefully have a clear night or two (or three) to enjoy this occasion that marks the end to another year of full moon gazing.
Interestingly, the Native Americans referred to this moon as the Cold Moon, because it coincides with the start of cold nights in the winter. Native Americans are also credited for calling it the Long Nights Moon.
Europeans gave it the name the Moon Before Yule because it occurred near their traditional Yule festival.
Will you be setting a calendar reminder and taking a few moments to yourself between December 18th and 20th to do some serious moon gazing?
It's the last full moon of the year -- and that's a good enough reason as any to pull up a chair, pour a glass, and admire the night sky.
In a sense, since we all look up at the same moon in the sky, it's like connecting with loved ones, near and far.
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