What Are the Moon Phases for December?

December is a month of holidays, winter solstice, and, of course, moon phases. Moon phases refer to the different appearances of the Moon as we observe it from Earth. The lunar cycle lasts for about 29.5 days, during which the Moon goes through its phases. Here is a guide to the moon phases for December 2021.

New Moon: December 4

The new moon is the first phase of the lunar cycle when the Moon is invisible from Earth. This phase is also known as the “Dark Moon,” and it happens when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun. The new moon for December 2021 will occur on the 4th.

First Quarter Moon: December 11

The first quarter moon occurs about a week after the new moon. During this phase, the Moon appears as a half-circle shape. We can observe this moon phase in the western sky at sunset. The first quarter moon for December 2021 will be visible on the 11th.

Full Moon: December 18

The full moon is the most recognizable and photographed phase of the lunar cycle. During this phase, the Moon appears as a complete circle, and it is fully illuminated by the sun. This phase is the best time for stargazers and photographers to capture stunning shots of the moon. The full moon for December 2021 will occur on the 18th.

Last Quarter Moon: December 27

The last quarter moon occurs about a week after the full moon. During this phase, the Moon appears as another half-circle shape, but this time, it is visible in the eastern sky at sunrise. The last quarter moon for December 2021 will be visible on the 27th.

What are the Moon Phases for December?

As we approach the end of the year, it’s important to be up-to-date with the various phases that the moon is going through. This will help you plan ahead and know what to expect. In this article, we’ll be answering some frequently asked questions about the moon phases for December.

What are the Moon Phases?

Before diving into December’s moon phases, let’s quickly go over what moon phases are. Moon phases occur as a result of the relative positions of the moon, Earth, and sun. As the moon travels around the Earth, we see different amounts of its illuminated surface. This results in eight distinct moon phases, which are as follows:

1. New Moon
2. Waxing Crescent
3. First Quarter
4. Waxing Gibbous
5. Full Moon
6. Waning Gibbous
7. Third Quarter
8. Waning Crescent

What are the Moon Phases for December 2021?

December 2021 will have a total of 8 moon phases, starting from a new moon on December 4th and ending with another new moon on December 31st. Here’s a breakdown of the moon phases for December:

1. New Moon: December 4th
2. Waxing Crescent: December 5th – December 10th
3. First Quarter: December 11th
4. Waxing Gibbous: December 12th – December 18th
5. Full Moon: December 19th
6. Waning Gibbous: December 20th – December 25th
7. Third Quarter: December 26th
8. Waning Crescent: December 27th – December 31st

Why are Moon Phases Important?

Moon phases are important for a number of reasons. For one, they affect the tidal patterns of the ocean. During a new or full moon, the gravitational pull of the moon and sun combine, resulting in higher tides. Additionally, some people believe that moon phases can have an impact on human behavior, emotions, and health.

Furthermore, knowing the moon phases can be helpful for anyone who enjoys stargazing or astrophotography. Certain moon phases will make it easier to observe certain astronomical events such as meteor showers or the aurora borealis.

What is a Supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee. This results in the moon appearing larger and brighter in the sky. While supermoons are not rare, they only occur a few times a year.

In December 2021, there will be a supermoon on December 19th. This full moon is not only the last one of 2021 but will also be the only supermoon of the year.

What Are the Moon Phases for December?

December is the twelfth and final month of the year. This month brings along cold temperatures and festive celebrations, but what are the moon phases for December? Many people are intrigued by the moon and its phases, as it has been used as a traditional sign of time and direction for centuries. In this article, we will discuss the frequently asked questions about the moon phases for December.

What Are Moon Phases?

Before delving into the moon phases for December, let’s understand what moon phases are. Moon phases refer to the different shapes of the illuminated portion of the moon as seen from Earth during one lunar orbit. The moon circles the Earth every 29.5 days and presents different phases during that time.

What Are the Moon Phases for December 2021?

The moon phases for December 2021 are as follows:

• New Moon: December 4, 2021
• First Quarter: December 11, 2021
• Full Moon: December 18, 2021
• Last Quarter: December 26, 2021

What Is a New Moon?

A new moon occurs when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the sun, presenting its shadowed side towards the Earth. During a new moon, the moon is not visible from Earth.

What Is a First Quarter?

A first quarter occurs when the moon has completed a quarter of a lunar orbit around Earth, and sunlight illuminates the right half of the moon, as seen from Earth.

What Is a Full Moon?

A full moon occurs when the entire illuminated hemisphere of the moon is visible from Earth. During a full moon, the moon appears as a bright, round circle in the sky.

What Is a Last Quarter?

A last quarter, also known as a third quarter, is the opposite of a first quarter. A last quarter occurs when the moon has completed three-quarters of its lunar orbit around Earth, and sunlight illuminates the left half of the moon, as seen from Earth.

What Is a Blue Moon?

A blue moon is a rare phenomenon that occurs when two full moons occur within the same calendar month. However, the term “blue moon” has nothing to do with the color of the moon. In fact, the moon appears the same color every day.

What Is a Supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when the moon’s orbit brings it closest to the Earth during a full moon phase. The moon appears larger than usual, and its gravitational pull on Earth is stronger during a supermoon.

What Are the Moon Phases for December?

December is a month of many celebrations, including Christmas and New Year’s Eve. But did you know it is also a month of fascinating lunar events? As the Winter Solstice approaches, the moon will undergo several phases, from the full moon to the last quarter. If you’re a moon enthusiast or simply curious about the lunar calendar, keep reading to find out what the moon phases for December are.

Phases of the Moon

The moon has eight phases or stages, each with its own unique characteristics. The phases are the new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent. These phases occur due to the interaction of the moon, Earth, and the sun.

When the moon is situated between the Earth and the sun, we see the new moon phase. As the moon moves in its orbit, we start to see a crescent shape on its illuminated surface. This is the waxing crescent phase. As the moon continues to orbit, the illuminated portion becomes larger until it reaches its halfway point in the first quarter phase. Then, as the moon continues to orbit, it becomes increasingly more illuminated until it reaches the full moon phase. After the full moon phase, the moon starts to diminish in size and illumination until it reaches its halfway point in the last quarter phase. Finally, the moon’s illuminated surface becomes a thin crescent again in the waning crescent phase until it completes the lunar cycle and returns to the new moon phase.

December’s Moon Phases

During December, the moon starts in the last quarter phase on the 1st of the month. This means that the moon appears as a reversed ‘D’ shape in the eastern sky before dawn. As the moon continues to move in its orbit, it reaches the new moon phase on December 4th. During this phase, the moon is situated between the Earth and the sun, so it is not visible from Earth.

Following the new moon phase, the moon enters the waxing crescent phase on December 5th. During this phase, you can see a small sliver of the illuminated right side of the moon, low in the southwestern sky after sunset. As the moon continues to orbit, it will reach its first quarter phase on December 11th.

After the first quarter, the moon will continue to increase in illumination until it reaches the full moon phase on December 19th. The full moon is often referred to as the Cold Moon or the Long Night Moon due to its proximity to the Winter Solstice. When the moon is in the full moon phase, it appears as a bright, round disk in the night sky.

After the full moon phase, the moon will start to diminish in illumination until it reaches the last quarter phase on December 26th. During this phase, the moon appears as a reversed ‘D’ shape in the eastern sky before dawn. Finally, on December 30th, the moon enters the waning crescent phase, and the illuminated surface of the moon will continue to get smaller until it reaches the new moon phase again on January 2nd, 2022.

The Significance of Moon Phases

While the moon’s phases may seem like just another astronomical phenomenon, they have significant cultural and historical meanings across different societies. For example, in some cultures, the full moon signifies a time of spiritual cleansing and enlightenment. In others, the new moon is a time for rest and reflection.

Apart from its cultural significance, the moon’s phases can also affect earthly phenomena. The gravitational pull of the moon’s phases, particularly the full moon and new moon phases, can cause changes in tides and even weather patterns. Therefore, tracking the moon’s phases is essential for meteorologists, sailors, and fishermen, among others.

Conclusion

The moon’s phases are fascinating events that occur every month. In December, you can witness the transition from the last quarter phase to the new moon phase, followed by the waxing crescent, first quarter, full moon, last quarter, and waning crescent phases. These phases have significant cultural and historical meanings and can also affect earthly phenomena. Therefore, being aware of the moon’s phases is beneficial beyond its astronomical significance.