Part Three: A Full Moon
With many clear November nights appearing, it is time to explore the outdoors once more and enjoy some sky gazing with your children. In the previous part of the series—Talking Trees—we looked up to our elders. Now we gaze even higher at something even older—the Moon.
Venture into the dark on a crisp, cold night and you will likely be greeted by that beautiful globe and its accompanying parade of stars. This charming character takes a different shape each appearance, known as Moon Phases. Though it appears that it is shining upon us, it is in fact itself in the spotlight of the Sun. Its form is not actually changing either, only our available view of the light as it orbits around us.
Do you have a favourite amongst the eight lunar phases? Or do you enjoy the whole monthly cycle? Today we will be focusing on the wonderful spectacle that is the full moon, and the variations of it throughout the year.
A full moon is the night when the complete sunlit side of the Moon comes into our view. That is to say the Moon is directly ahead of us: the Sun’s rays, originating from the opposite direction, hit the lunar surface and bounce back to us, displaying the full face.
The full moon that appears each month has a name; some have multiple. These names have been determined by ancient cultures based on the annual happenings in that particular month.
These are my favourite full moon names:
June: Strawberry Moon
September : Harvest Moon
December: Cold Moon
National Geographic has all the regular Full Moon Names Explained. If you think your child is old enough to understand their meanings, then this is a useful resource to have on hand.
Weather permitting, on the 30th November the Frost moon will be visible for all to see. Why not set your children this fun activity in the run up: Using your imagination, show what you think this month’s name means by drawing a moon of any shape and colour. This can be extended to all the months before you explain to them each name meaning.
Once they have learned, and better yet witnessed, the yearly cycle of full moon’s, it is bonus time:
Supermoon
Blood Moon
Blue Moon
There is no doubt these unusual full moons will fetch some great sketches too.
The moon is as enchanting as it is enigmatic, inspiring a whole history of art and culture. Not to mention questions from every young person who ever sets their eyes on it: What is it made of? Why is it there? How far away is it? Why do we only ever see one side? When can we visit? A wonderful wormhole for any guardian, which will require a whole other post in space and time!
For now though, wrap up warm, grab a telescope (or make one), embrace the evening outdoors and see who catches first sight of the Frost moon.