Skygazers are in for a celestial treat this weekend, as the last full moon of the year “Cold Moon“-peaks Sunday, December 15 at 4:02 a.m. EST. This year’s Cold Moon is important, not just because of what it symbolizes but also due to an extraordinary astronomical occurrence: the major lunar standstill.
According to the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, every 18.6 years, the moon reaches its orbit’s extremes, so that it rises and sets at its northerly and southerly points on the horizon. A major lunar standstill, as it is called, happens because the moon’s orbit tilts as time goes on causing the position of the moon at rising or setting time to oscillate.
NASA says the Cold Moon is full from Saturday through Monday. It gets its fullest light on Sunday morning. That’s the last full moon of 2024, and it’s appropriately enough an aptly named moon since it’s time for cold weather in a season supposed to be cold in December.
The term “Cold Moon” is of Mohawk origin, indicating the coming of winter’s grasp. It is also known as the “Long Night Moon” because it falls near the date of the winter solstice, which occurs on December 21. Other traditional names include the “Frost Exploding Trees Moon” and the “Snow Moon.”
For this weekend, NASA says to watch the skies for more than just the moon. Jupiter will be viewable near Aldebaran, the brightest star in the Taurus constellation. No special equipment is needed, but clear skies are required.
Mark your calendars for January 13, 2025, when the Wolf Moon, the first full moon of the new year, will light up the night sky. Until then, the Cold Moon offers a perfect finale to 2024’s lunar displays.
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