Full Cold Moon Tonight

 

There is nothing more beautiful than a snowy landscape
glittering beneath the full moon.  Especially with Christmas
right around the corner once again!  Where has this year gone?

Diamonds In The Snow Under Moonlight

Photograph by Jari Romppainen/via Reddit

When Worlds Collide?...Um, Not Quite!

According to the folks over at the Old Farmer's Almanac, this month's
Full Cold Moon will rise just before sunset tonight and will wander
across the night sky towards the "Red Planet" Mars. 

 Viewers will be able to see the moon drift extremely close
to the planet and then obscure it completely!

This is what astronomers call a "lunar occultation".

One of the celestial highlights for the month of December, this close encounter
  between the moon and Mars will be visible in certain parts of North America,
   Europe, and  North Africa.  In the USA, good viewing will depend on
  weather conditions as well as the time zone.

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, these places 
include the Eastern Seaboard, down on the Gulf Coast, 
 and across sections of Appalachia.   

Meanwhile, in places like western Alaska, viewers will not be able 
to see full occultation, but Mars will still be very close to the Moon.

Since it is dreary and overcast with on and off rain showers in
my area today I am not sure I will be able to see lovely Luna 
playing her game of hide-and-go seek with the Red Planet tonight.

🌝 But I hope the skies will be clear where you're at!🌝