As the last full moon of 2024 and the concluding one for fall rises, the Cold Moon promises a spectacular and frosty finale to the celestial calendar. The December Cold Moon marks the last full moon of the year and this also marks the entry of winter. When the surroundings are full of frost and occurs just before the winter solstice, this moon has many names attached to it by various cultures because of its importance.
Some places call this moon the Long Night Moon, or the Moon Before Yule, which herald an ancient Pagan festival. The Mohawk culture calls this moon the Cold Moon while such names as Drift Clearing Moon, Hoar Frost Moon, Snow Moon, and Winter Maker Moon are attributed to the Indians. The Celts call this moon the Oak Moon; it really has a great impact and is recognized globally as the event is a beautiful lunar phenomenon.
When to watch?
According to NASA, the moon will reach its full phase at 4:02 a.m. EST on Sunday, Dec. 15, this astronomical event can be best observed rising in the eastern sky later that day. Positioned in the constellation Taurus, the Cold Moon will be surrounded by some of the night sky’s brightest stars and the planet Jupiter, offering a mesmerizing view for stargazers.
What makes the cold moon special?
The Cold Moon rises just a week before the December solstice, marking the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and marking the start of astronomical winter. The cold moon will rise the highest when the sun reaches the lowest point in the daytime southern sky as seen from the Northern Hemisphere. On the night of the full moon, it will shine below Capella in the constellation Auriga, and above Betelgeuse in the constellation Orion, with Jupiter visible to its right. It will also be prominently visible throughout the month.
Another significant celestial event on the cards!
Interestingly, the Cold Moon’s rise coincides with the peak of the Geminid meteor shower, which has been one of the best annual displays of “falling stars.” The brilliance of the full moon may, however, reduce visibility of shooting stars. The Full Moon is an incredible sight on its own, especially viewed through binoculars or small telescopes that will help to clearly observe an orangey lunar surface rising from the eastern horizon.
The next full moon, after the Cold Moon, is known as the Wolf Moon, it will occur on Jan. 13, 2025, continuing the cycle of these monthly lunar events.
