Rare Christmas Gift: A Full Moon

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On December 25th, those who celebrate Christmas will receive the gift of a full moon.  The moon will officially peak at 6:11am.

A full moon on Christmas is particularly rare, only occurring approximately once every 19 years.  However, a full moon on Christmas hasn’t happened in almost four decades, since 1977. Why? Due to an imperfect system and fluctuations in the human calendar, the estimates between the 2,500 year-old known lunar cycle and our calendar can be flawed.

Sometimes, even science gets things wrong. *gasps*

Before ripping open the material gifts under the tree on Christmas morning, try to take a moment and enjoy a present from nature and the cosmos.

Happy Holidays!

– Julia

 

Published by Julia Mariani

(Source: Space.com)