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The sky has cleared of snow and will reveal a cold moon rising tonight. Sounds ominous.
December’s full moon is a supermoon, and it’s setting high expectations. Literally. This moon, known as the Cold Moon, is the second biggest moon of the year, and it will rise the highest in the sky.
And Colorado is rising to the occasion, too. Thanks to high elevation and projected clear, crisp and dry conditions on the day the moon reaches its peak, Colorado has been ranked as the third-best state in the U.S. (after only New Mexico and Arizona) to see the full moon, according to an Action Network study.
“Colorado’s altitude gives skywatchers something special,” says a researcher. “The thin, dry air makes the moon look sharper and brighter — and this year, Colorado has some of the strongest odds in the country of seeing the Cold Moon without cloud cover. When it rises behind the Rockies, the effect is unforgettable.”
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Here’s when to catch the full moon in Denver, where to look in the sky, why it’s called the Cold Moon and what’s special about it.
When Is the Full Moon in Denver?
The full moon will rise around 4:14 p.m. on Thursday, December 4.
And don’t miss the “Moon Illusion,” aka the fact that it’s best to view the moon right around moonrise, as this is when the moon will appear the largest and most dramatic and colorful in the sky.
According to Live Science, the moon will also appear bright, full and impressive on Friday, December 5.
Where to See the Full Moon in Denver
It’s always best to view celestial events away from light pollution, but if you want to stay in the city, Cheesman Park or the Chamberlin Observatory near the University of Denver are good options. Unfortunately, this month’s Civic Center STARGAZE, which was scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, was canceled due to the snowy weather.
If you’re up for a road trip, try Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of the Gods, Great Sand Dunes National Park or the Eastern Plains. Colorado was also recently ranked as the third-best place for stargazing, thanks to its nineteen officially designated Dark Sky Places.
Why Is It Called the Cold Moon?
December’s full moon is called the Cold Moon because, well, it’s cold outside. Tied to centuries of Native American traditions, the Cold Moon signals the arrival of winter, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. It is also sometimes known as the Long Night Moon, because it rises during the longest nights of the year near the winter solstice, which falls on Sunday, December 21.
What’s Unique About December’s Full Moon?
This year’s Cold Moon is a supermoon,and the second-largest one of the year, at that. It will appear only slightly smaller than last month’s jumbo Beaver Moon. It’s also the third of four supermoons in a row — next month will see a Wolf Supermoon on January 3.
In addition to appearing large in the sky, the Cold Moon is known for rising higher in the sky than any other full moon. As winter solstice approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun appears lower in the sky during the day while the moon appears higher in the sky at night. And with ample hours of darkness, there’s plenty of time to gaze at the moon and have an out-of-this-world existential crisis…or just have fun!
