I just wanted to share a story I read in The Old Farmer’s Almanac this morning (I get periodic e-mails from them with cool information that most urbanites have forgotten or never learned about how our planet works).You can subscribe to their e-mail newsletter by going to this sample page and clicking on “subscribe to the newsletter.” Enjoy!

A Wonderful Sight

December 12 — The Full Cold Moon
Sky watchers will be dazzled by an exceptionally high, bright, and large Moon. In fact, this Moon is 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full Moons this year. Why? The Moon is both in its full phase and at a point in its orbit that is nearest Earth, called its perigee. When these events occur together, the Moon is closer to Earth than usual. The effect? The Full Cold Moon will appear especially large near the horizon as the Sun sets.

The Moon is also high at this time of year; when it’s overhead (near midnight), it will light up the landscape. Take a magical stroll and see your world at night. You won’t need a flashlight!