Prepare to be mesmerized! The Cold Moon, the final full moon of both 2024 and autumn, is set to grace our night skies, offering a breathtaking spectacle to end the celestial year. Officially reaching its full phase at 4:01 a.m. EST on Sunday, December 15th, the best viewing will be during moonrise in the east later that day. Find a location with a clear eastern horizon for an optimal viewing experience.
This celestial event will unfold against the backdrop of the constellation Taurus, nestled amongst some of the night sky’s brightest stars and the magnificent planet Jupiter. While easily visible to the naked eye, consider using binoculars or a small telescope for a truly remarkable close-up view of the moon’s orange-hued surface as it ascends above the horizon. The enhanced detail will reveal the moon’s stunning textured landscape.
The name “Cold Moon” aptly reflects its timing, appearing just a week before the December solstice – the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the astronomical start of winter. This evocative name is not unique; it’s also known as the Long Nights Moon and the Moon Before Yule, a nod to the ancient Pagan festival coinciding with the solstice. Interestingly, the moniker “Cold Moon” originates from the Mohawk culture, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, with other Native American tribes bestowing names like Drift Clearing Moon, Hoar Frost Moon, Snow Moon, and Winter Maker Moon. The Old Farmer’s Almanac also highlights Celtic traditions referencing the December full moon as the Oak Moon, further showcasing the rich cultural tapestry woven around this lunar event.
The Cold Moon’s position directly opposite the sun creates an interesting phenomenon. As the sun reaches its lowest point in the daytime southern sky (as seen from the Northern Hemisphere), the Cold Moon will simultaneously be at its zenith, creating a captivating celestial dance. On the night of the full moon, look for our natural satellite shining gracefully below Capella (in the constellation Auriga) and above Betelgeuse (in Orion), with Jupiter brilliantly positioned to its right. Jupiter’s prominence will be easily observable throughout the entire month.
This year’s Cold Moon rises near the peak of the spectacular Geminid meteor shower, one of the year’s most prolific displays of shooting stars. However, the Cold Moon’s bright glow will unfortunately impede the visibility of some meteors, making the shower slightly less impressive than usual. Yet, the combination of the full moon and the meteor shower still presents a captivating celestial display.
The celestial calendar doesn’t end with the Cold Moon; the next full moon, known as the Wolf Moon, will illuminate the night sky on January 13th, 2025. Until then, make plans to witness the stunning Cold Moon—a fitting end to 2024’s celestial events. Remember to find a dark location away from city lights for the best viewing experience!
