The next full moon of 2024 is on December 15th at 04:02 AM EST, and it is also known as the Cold Moon. 

Full Moon Dates for 2024 in EST:

January 25th 12:54 PM
February 24th 07:30 AM
March 25th 03:00 AM
April 23rd 07:49 PM
May 23rd 09:53 AM
June 21st 09:08 PM
July 21st 06:17 AM
August 19th 02:26 PM
September 17th 10:34 PM
October  17th 07:26 AM
November 15th 04:28 PM
December 15th 04:02 AM

Once a month, the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun align in a straight line with the Earth in between. As a result, we get to see a fully illuminated moon from the Earth, known as the full moon.

full moon

The Full Moon is the third primary Moon phase in the lunar cycle between the First and Last Quarter. Each lunar cycle lasts for around 29.5 days, the time it takes for the Moon to orbit the Earth. 

Full Moon Names Of A Year

Native Americans traditionally gave names to full moons to keep track of the seasons. 

Impacts Of The Full Moon

High Tides

The moon's gravitational pull on the earth affects the sea tides. During a Full Moon, these gravitational forces pull the ocean's water in the same direction, which causes higher tides. 

Cultural Significance

In some cultures and religions, the Full Moon influences the dates of significant events and celebrations. For example, in the Jewish religion, which uses the Hebrew Calendar, the dates of Passover are determined by the Full Moon. The same happens with the date of Easter in Christianity, which is only determined by the vernal equinox and the Full Moon. 

Interesting Facts About the Full Moon

  • Due to the constant movement of the moon, a Full Moon is only 100% illuminated for a short time during the day and is only visible in some parts of the World. 
  • On the day of a full moon, we usually see a 98% illuminated moon for this reason. 
  • A Full Moon is visible in the sky from sunset until sunrise.
  • Due to refraction, some parts of the world get to see the full moon and the sun at the same time during the day
  • A lunar eclipse can only take place during a full moon.
  • Although full moons occur once a month, an additional full moon known as the blue moon appears in a subdivision of a year (the third of four full moons in a season)

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