Everything You Need to Know About This Week’s December Supermoon Peak
This week, skywatchers can look forward to the December supermoon, the last supermoon of 2023. Known as the cold moon, it will reach its fullest at approximately 6:14 p.m. ET on Thursday. This celestial event is particularly special as it marks the culmination of three consecutive supermoons throughout the year.
What Makes the December Supermoon Special?
A supermoon occurs when the moon is at perigee, its closest point to Earth, causing it to appear larger and more luminous in the sky. December’s supermoon is noteworthy because of its timing, being closest to the winter solstice, which occurs on December 21. This date signifies the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Full Moon Date: December 14, 2023, at 6:14 p.m. ET
- Winter Solstice: December 21, 2023
Historical Significance
This full moon also coincides with significant anniversaries in space exploration. Apollo 8, launched on December 21, 1968, was the first mission to take astronauts into lunar orbit. On Christmas Eve, its crew transmitted a holiday message from space. Additionally, Apollo 17, which lifted off on December 7, 1972, remains the last mission where astronauts set foot on the moon.
Other Notable Dates
Alongside the supermoon, December also hosts the final meteor showers of the year, with key dates listed below:
- Geminids: December 13-14
- Ursids: December 21-22
Looking Ahead: Artemis Missions
With the December supermoon shining brightly, it brings attention to future lunar explorations. The Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch sometime between February and April 2026. This mission will attempt to send a crew of four astronauts on a ten-day journey around the moon.
Noah Petro, NASA’s Artemis III project scientist, encourages everyone to appreciate the beauty of this winter supermoon. He urges the public to reflect on the achievements of previous lunar missions while anticipating the return of human exploration to the moon.
As the winter solstice approaches, the clarity of the night sky during these colder months enhances the visibility of the supermoon. Plan to step outside this week to witness this spectacular natural event.
