A stunning full moon is set to be visible over Scotland this weekend.
Weather permitting, Scots will be able to enjoy the 'Cold Moon' as it peaks in the early hours of Saturday morning (December 19).
With people looking for more traditional ways to entertain themselves art the weekend due to the current government advice over Omicron it might be a good way to while away an hour making the most of this natural event.
The last full moon in December, the 'Cold Moon' is named for the dipping temperatures at this time of year.
The team at Parkdean Resorts has just released a list of top tips for budding astronomers hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare lunar phenomena.
What is the Cold Moon?
The last full moon of the year, the Cold Moon, rises above the earth in December.
When will it peak?
The 'Cold Moon' will peak at 4:35am on Saturday, December 19, in the UK.
What else can we see in the night sky around the same time?
If the skies are clear this weekend, the full moon will dominate the sky.
But to the right of the moon at around 5.30pm each night, just as it gets dark, you might just be able to spot three planets with Venus, Saturn and Jupiter forming a roughly straight line from southwest to south, with Jupiter the highest then Saturn just below and Venus closest to the horizon.
Top tips to see the Cold Moon (and for stargazing in general)
Either wrapped up warm in the garden or admiring the night sky from a window, here are the top tips for stargazing.
Get up high!
The further up you are, the better your chance of a clear sky to see the stars, plus you'll be able to see low down to the horizon to watch the moon rise.
Take a hike in your local area and explore the surroundings to find the perfect stargazing spot. The further you are away from light pollution the better chance you'll have of seeing the stars.
Look to the east as it grows dark
The moon always rise in the east and set in the west - so follow this direction in your search.
Turn off the lights
For those stargazing from the comfort of their homes, turning off the lights indoors can improve the visibility of the night sky.
Artificial light can make it harder to see stars in the sky so make sure wherever you are is as dark as possible.
Make the most of clear skies
If it's clear why not get outside and enjoy not only the moon but also the chance to see the planets and other stars on this crisp winter night?
Enhance your stargazing
Enhance the stargazing experience and download Star Chart free on AR enabled Apple or Android devices. Star Chart allows you to point the camera at the night sky and will tell you exactly what is up there!
Use the Time and Date website for the best chance of spotting the planets as well
Time and Date allows you to input your location, before generating information about when the planets are most visible! With lots of helpful information about what's in the universe, this is a great way to educate the family about the wonders of space.
It's also useful for knowing when exactly the moon will rise and set.
Capturing the moon in a photo
Moonrise and moonset are great times for spectacular Moon photos. The Moon is just above the horizon, so you can add mountains, buildings, or other surroundings to your picture.
Remember to frame the shot before you take it and turn off your flash, if you're using a DLSR camera put it on a tripod or another stable surface and keep your ISO setting between 100 to 200 as the Full Moon is bright.
Don't miss the top culture and heritage stories from around Scotland. Sign up to our twice weekly Scotland Now newsletter here.
