December 21 saw an astronomical phenomenon of Winter Solstice, or the longest night on the planet, for those in the Northern hemisphere. Starting today, the days will start getting longer compared to the night time. But as we head to more astronomical spectacles in the next year, December 22 will be the last full moon of 2018. So the next few winter nights will also be the bright ones with the moon shining white in the night sky. The December full moon is also called as the Cold Moon or the Long Night's Moon. On the night of the first day of winter 2018, the moon arrives early into the night and this year it will be less than a day after the solstice. The December Full Moon will rise at 17:49 UTC on Saturday, December 22. First Day of Winter 2018: Twitterati Welcomes the Holiday Season After Winter Solstice With Most Cheerful Messages.

The full moon will be visible for the entire two days to those in the northern hemisphere. A full moon shining on the first day of winter is also called as Ice Moon and Wolf Moon. The satellite will be opposite to our source of light, the sun. Thus, the light will reflect more than ever and thus appear brighter to us. According to NASA, it is called cold moon because "December is the month when it really starts to get cold." And because there is less than a day apart to the full moon and winter solstice, the nights will be strongly illuminated. As long as there are no clouds to hide the bright moon. Winter Solstice 2018: Legends, Stories and Observances Related to the Shortest Day of the Year.

Check out NASA's Tweet About December Full Moon

The moon will also be at its closest point to the Earth, so there will higher waves in the sea. So the bright moon is all set to steal the show of the weekend night sky. If you are among those who can stare into the white ball for hours together, the weekend is going to be a good chance to fill your vision with a treat of a full moon.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 22, 2018 01:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).