The Instagram picture that has since gone viral shows the thirteenth and the final full moon of 2020 with a mountain range in the foreground.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration shared a vibrant picture of the 'wolf moon' on its social media on December 30. It is actually the picture of the final full moon of 2020.
"Aaah-ooooooh! It’s a Wolf Moon to end the year," NASA declared along with the picture on its Instagram.
NASA further said in its description, "Beginning tonight, Earth’s BFF, the Moon will be appearing in the night sky in full view. This will be the 13th and final full Moon of 2020 and will be visible for about three days."
The picture that has since gone viral shows a full moon with a mountain range in the foreground.
The thirteenth and the final full moon of 2020 fell on December 29 and it would stay visible for three days till the year comes to an end. It is an apt ending for the year which has been exciting for skywatchers in more ways than one.
The last full moon of the year is generally called a 'cold moon'. It is also known as the 'wolf moon' in certain cultures, the NASA explained in its description.
"Why is it called the Wolf Moon? Different cultures have specific names for each of the full Moons throughout the year, and they often relate to what is happening in nature at that time," NASA said.
The United States space agency went on to explain the reason for its name: "The Algonquin tribes of what is now the northern and eastern United States named this the Wolf Moon, from the packs of wolves that howled hungrily outside the villages amid the cold and deep snows of winter. Another name is the Ice Moon. By month the full Moon in December is called the Cold Moon."
NASA urged people to wear celebratory clothes to mark the full moon as well as the new year and to step out and enjoy the sight of the 'wolf moon'.
"As usual, the wearing of celebratory celestial garb is highly encouraged in honor of the full Moon. Stay warm, but take advantage of these early nightfalls to step outside, look up, and share the beauty of our sky with your pack!" NASA said.
The breathtaking picture and the information associated with it have been shared and liked by millions of Instagram users. Many commented to express their admiration and sense of wonder.
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 "Wolf Moon NASA")
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