December’s Cold Moon reaches peak illumination on Dec. 15, 4:02 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. It will be the last full moon until after the winter solstice, which takes place on Dec. 21.

The new moon of December occurs tonight. A day later, Southern Hemisphere observers will see the peak of the Phoenicid meteor shower, and on Dec. 4 the waxing moon will make a close pass to Venus in the evening sky.

From the Orion constellation to the bright planet Venus and the annual Geminids meteor shower. The Orion constellation, one of the most recognizable star patterns, is at its brightest from December through March.

With the moon sliding past a brilliant Venus — now crazy-bright after sunset — and Jupiter reaching its brightest and best of the year, November is sure to be a great month for astrophotography. The nights are getting longer,

As winter settles in and the days grow shorter, December’s night sky offers some of the most spectacular celestial displays of the year. With clear, crisp air and early evenings, the conditions are ideal for stargazing,