when was the full moon in december 2021

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02-12-2024

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When Was the Full Moon in December 2021? Unlocking the Celestial Calendar

December 2021 held a special celestial event: a full moon. But pinpointing the exact date requires a bit more than just looking at a standard calendar. Let's delve into the specifics, using astronomical data to understand precisely when this full moon graced our night skies.

While a quick online search might offer a general date, precise astronomical data helps us understand the nuances. The full moon isn't a single instant but rather a period when the moon appears fully illuminated from Earth's perspective. This happens when the sun, Earth, and moon are nearly aligned, with the Earth in the middle.

Finding the Answer:

Unfortunately, there isn't a readily available, single ScienceDirect article dedicated solely to the precise timing of the December 2021 full moon. ScienceDirect focuses on peer-reviewed research, and pinpointing a specific full moon date isn't typically the subject of such publications. However, we can utilize the principles explained in various astronomical publications available on the platform to understand how this date is determined.

Articles on lunar phases and orbital mechanics (which you can find by searching relevant keywords on ScienceDirect like "lunar phases," "lunar orbit," "Earth-Moon system") explain the methodology used to calculate these dates. These articles might not give the specific date for December 2021 directly, but they lay out the calculations required to derive it.

The Calculation (Simplified):

To determine the exact moment, astronomers use complex calculations that account for the moon's elliptical orbit around the Earth and the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. These calculations involve Kepler's laws of planetary motion and take into account various gravitational influences. While we won't perform the full calculation here (it's quite involved!), we can understand the basic principle: the full moon occurs when the geocentric ecliptic longitude of the Moon differs from that of the Sun by 180 degrees.

The Result:

Based on astronomical data and readily available online resources specializing in astronomical calculations (many of which corroborate each other), the full moon in December 2021 occurred on December 19th, 2021. The exact time would vary depending on your location due to time zones, but it fell within that date for most locations across the globe.

Beyond the Date:

Knowing the date is just the beginning. Consider these interesting points to expand your understanding:

• Full Moon Names: December's full moon is often called the "Cold Moon" or the "Long Nights Moon," reflecting the season's characteristics. Different cultures have different names, adding a rich cultural layer to this celestial event.
• Lunar Influences: While scientifically unsubstantiated by robust evidence, many cultures associate the full moon with various phenomena, from sleep patterns to tides. Exploring these cultural beliefs offers fascinating insights into human history and perception.
• Observing the Moon: Take the opportunity to observe the full moon yourself! Note its appearance, brightness, and any interesting features visible with the naked eye or through binoculars.

In conclusion, while ScienceDirect doesn't offer a dedicated article confirming the date of the December 2021 full moon, understanding the scientific principles behind lunar phase calculations helps appreciate the precision involved in determining such celestial events. The date, December 19th, 2021, serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of the cosmos and invites us to observe and appreciate the beauty of our celestial neighbor.