Full moon lights up religious days

December 24 in the UAE promises to be a day of cheer and festivities owing to the fact that it celebrates the birthday of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and also marks the eve of Christmas Day. In 2015, December 24 is blessed by nature with a full winter moon, a phenomenon that last happened 19 years ago.

For the first time since 1977, we will be able to view the Full Cold Moon on December 24. If living in a desert may not have seemed the best for picturesque winter nights a clear desert sky gives us an unparalleled view of the cold full moon.

A Full Cold Moon is characteristic to long winter nights, where it has a higher and longer trajectory across the sky due to the relatively lower sun. This year, the moon is expected to pique at around 11pm on Christmas Eve for us in the UAE. The next Full Cold Moon is expected to be in 2034, which is another 19 years away.

So, this year get out on your balcony and enjoy the perks of having a clear desert sky and watch the beauty of the full winter moon.