The Astronomical Society of Puerto Rico Inc. (SAPR) organization endorsed by NASA Puerto Rico Space Grant Consortium, reported that this coming Tuesday, December 29 we will have the last full moon of 2020 also known as “Cold Moon”.
“The Cold Moon passes near the solstice (winter in the northern hemisphere), the days are shorter. It is also known as the moon of long nights. The same marks the beginning of northern-hemispheric winter.” indicated Professor César M. López, Secretary of the SAPR and President of OCCAE (independent entity affiliated to the SAPR).
The reader will notice that there are 13 moons in full phase during the 12 months, answering this to the fact that the cycle of phases of the moon, from new moon to new moon, lasts less than a month (29.53 days), October has 2 full moons and the year, 366 days, for being of leap year.
“The Cold Moon in addition to being the last of the year 2020 is in turn the last of the decade, and can be seen with the naked eye from the sky of the island and around the world” added Lopez.
The SAPR invites those astronomy enthusiasts to show their astronomical photographs taken by means of cameras and telescopes through its Facebook page. All those who send their photos to the email address of [email protected], will be given the corresponding credit and will be considered for the “Astro Virtual Gallery” in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the organization.
The Astronomical Society of Puerto Rico, Inc. (SAPR), is a non-profit organization, as defined by law, which since 1985 on the occasion of the passage of Comet Halley has been responsible for promoting interest in astronomy, for the enjoyment, guidance and education of the Puerto Rican community in general. Through Astronomy, skills related to all sciences and areas of human knowledge such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, high mathematics, anthropology, sociology and even the political sciences can be practiced. The SAPR aspires to be the vehicle through which the knowledge of Astronomy made by the community in general can be made viable. In this way, through scientific knowledge related to the Cosmos we can help build the paths that will lead us to understand what we do not know about the stars promoting the well-being of humanity.
For more information on the conjunction of the “Cold Moon” and upcoming events celebrating the organization’s 35th anniversary, they can visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/saprinc.