The full moon has captivated humans for thousands of years. Its bright, glowing presence in the night sky inspires wonder, cultural traditions, and scientific curiosity. But what exactly is a full moon, and why does it happen? Let’s explore the science, effects, and significance of this fascinating lunar phase.

What Is a Full Moon?

A full moon occurs when Earth sits directly between the Sun and the Moon. This alignment fully illuminates the Moon’s near side, making it appear bright and round in the night sky. The full moon is one of eight lunar phases, which include new moon, first quarter, waxing gibbous, waning gibbous, and others. The lunar cycle lasts about 29.5 days, which is why we see a full moon roughly once a month.

Fast Facts About the Full Moon

• 🌙 Moonlight – The Moon doesn’t produce its own light; it reflects sunlight.

• 🌓 Positioning – A full moon occurs when the Moon is opposite the Sun from Earth.

• 🌔 Lunar Eclipses – Sometimes, when conditions align, a lunar eclipse happens during a full moon, but this doesn’t occur every time.

• 🌕 Supermoon – If the full moon happens while the Moon is at its closest point to Earth, it’s called a Supermoon, appearing larger and brighter than usual.

How the Moon (and Sun) Affect the Tides

The Moon isn’t just beautiful — it also plays a major role in Earth’s oceans:

• 🌕 Gravitational Pull – The Moon’s gravity pulls on Earth’s oceans, creating tides.

• 🌍 Highs and Lows – Most coastlines experience two high tides and two low tides each day.

• ☀️🌙 Spring Tides – When the Sun and Moon line up during full or new moons, tides are stronger.

• 🌓 Neap Tides – When the Sun and Moon are at right angles, tides are weaker.

• 🔭 King Tides – When the Moon is closest to Earth during a full or new moon, tides reach their highest points.

• 🌎 Local Influence – Coastline shape, ocean depth, and geography affect how dramatic tides appear.

Cultural Significance of the Full Moon

Throughout history, the full moon has held deep cultural and spiritual significance:

• 🌟 Many cultures celebrate full moons with festivals, rituals, and symbolic practices.

• 📅 Ancient calendars often relied on the lunar cycle to track months and seasons.

• 💫 Full moons have inspired myths, art, and stories across civilizations, symbolizing completeness, illumination, and change.

The Full Moon Today

Today, the full moon continues to capture our imagination. Whether viewed through the lens of science, culture, or simple natural beauty, it remains one of the most awe-inspiring celestial events in the night sky. Next time you see a full moon, take a moment to appreciate not just its glow, but the fascinating gravitational and cultural forces behind it.

#FullMoon #MoonMagic #LunarCycle #Astronomy #NatureWonder #MoonFacts #OceanTides #Supermoon #NightSky #FullMoons2026

1️⃣ Drop tree off
📅 January 3 or 4
⏰ 9am-4pm
📍 Fire Hall #1 (1725 Broadway St)
💌 Min. $10 donation
♻️ You can also drop off Christmas lights, small appliances, batteries, lightbulbs, electronics, Styrofoam, cardboard, soft plastics such as plastic bags, and glass containers for recycling

2️⃣ Request tree pick-up
📅 Book online by noon on December 30 at noon
💌 Min. $20 donation

3️⃣ Dispose in green cart
🌲 Trees without any decorations or chemical sprays can be chopped up and placed in green carts in pieces that are up to 3″ in diameter and 40″ long

Learn more and submit a request for pick-up at http://portcoquitlam.ca/treechip.

#PortCoquitlam #CityOfPoCo #PortCoquitlamFirefighters #RecycleYourTree #ChristmasTreeRecycling #TriCities #PoCoEvents #TreeChipping

Christmas is a season celebrated around the world, rich with traditions, stories, and the spirit of giving. While each culture and family brings its own unique customs, the essence of Christmas remains universal: connection, gratitude, and joy.

Historically, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, but over time it has grown to include a variety of cultural traditions, from decorating Christmas trees and exchanging gifts to sharing festive meals and singing carols. Many communities also take the season as an opportunity to support those in need, reinforcing the importance of kindness and compassion.

Beyond the decorations and presents, Christmas is a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the people in our lives. Whether it’s spending time with family, enjoying cozy winter traditions, or giving back to the community, the season invites us all to embrace warmth and togetherness.

As we celebrate this festive season, may your days be filled with laughter, your hearts with gratitude, and your moments with memorable joy. No matter how you mark the holiday, the spirit of Christmas unites us all in hope, love, and generosity.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season!

#ChristmasJoy #HolidaySeason #FestiveSpirit #FamilyTime #Traditions #Gratitude #Togetherness #Christmas2025 #SeasonOfGiving #WinterMagic

Each year around December 21, the Northern Hemisphere reaches a quiet but significant turning point known as the winter solstice. While often associated with darkness and cold, the solstice is first and foremost an astronomical event that marks a shift in Earth’s relationship with the Sun — and the gradual return of light.

What Is the Winter Solstice?

The winter solstice occurs when the Earth’s axis is tilted at its greatest angle away from the Sun. Because the Earth is tilted approximately 23.5 degrees, different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.

On the winter solstice, the Sun travels its lowest and shortest path across the sky in the Northern Hemisphere. This results in:

• The fewest hours of daylight

• The longest night of the year

It is important to note that while this day has the least daylight, it does not necessarily produce the latest sunrise or earliest sunset — those occur slightly before and after the solstice due to the Earth’s orbit and rotation.

Why the Solstice Matters

Although the winter solstice marks the beginning of winter astronomically, it is also a turning point. From this day forward, daylight begins to increase incrementally — first by seconds, then minutes — eventually becoming noticeable in the weeks ahead.

This subtle shift has been observed and honored for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations tracked the solstice with remarkable accuracy, building monuments and calendars aligned with the Sun’s movement. Many cultures viewed it as a moment of renewal, recognizing that even at the darkest point of the year, the balance begins to tip back toward light.

A Time for Reflection

In the modern world, the solstice often passes quietly, yet its symbolism remains powerful. It represents:

• Cycles rather than endings

• Transition rather than stagnation

• The reassurance that change is already underway, even when it is not immediately visible

As the days slowly grow longer, the winter solstice serves as a reminder that progress can be gradual, and that small shifts — over time — create meaningful change.

Looking Ahead

Winter is still very much ahead after the solstice, but the direction has changed. Light is returning. The days will lengthen. The Sun’s path will rise again.

The winter solstice invites us to pause, observe, and acknowledge this quiet but profound moment — one grounded in science, history, and the natural rhythms that continue to shape our lives.

#WinterSolstice #December21 #LongestNight #LightReturns #EarthsTilt #Astronomy 🔭 #SeasonalShift #NatureLovers #WinterVibes ❄️ #CanadianWinter 🇨🇦 #ShortestDay