The Moon before Yule
November’s full moon…and Jupiter
Cloudy Study, Moonlight, by Albert Bierstadt, 1860
November’s full moon falls on the 27th November at 9.16am. That is the moment that it reaches its fullest but it will look very full indeed on the evenings of both the 26th and the 27th.
The bright ‘star’ that has been accompanying it across the sky the last few nights is Jupiter, which was at opposition, and so at its brightest point in the year, early this month. Look out for it still fairly near the full moon.
Full moons rise at around sunset and in the opposite part of the sky from the sun, so look to the east at around 4pm, unbelievably…
November’s full moon has some good old names, including Darkest Depths Moon - presumably something to do with the gloom that currently settles all around us - and Mourning Moon - which I can only think is connected to the general mournful air surrounding All Souls and All Saints Days early in the month.
Importantly though, this is also the Moon before Yule, the last moon before the winter solstice.
This information all comes from my book, The Almanac, and you can buy the 2024 edition below, and have all of the year’s moons, stars and meteor showers at your fingertips for the year ahead.
Wishing you clear skies!
I rushed out to see if I could see the aurora borealis last night, as the app alerted me that it would be visible. Sadly I couldn’t see anything to the north, but to the east, the most extraordinary halo of cloud circling the moon, with bright Jupiter shining right beside it. It was wonderful
There’s finally a chance of clear skies for this full moon here in Sheffield. Really hoping for a good view!