After four consecutive “supermoons” graced the night sky, the upcoming full moon in December 2024 won’t be unusually large or bright.Still,the aptly named “cold moon” — a moniker linked to the frosty air that sweeps in as winter approaches — will be illuminating the sky this weekend,reaching its peak fullness early Sunday morning,December 15th.
While the full moon will be 99% illuminated on Saturday night, it will be fully full on Sunday night and 98% illuminated on monday night.
Unfortunately, the moon’s brilliance will slightly obscure the annual Geminid meteor shower, which reaches its peak Friday night into early Saturday morning. Though, experts from Space.com advise stargazers to still try and catch a glimpse of the shooting stars.
They assure us that, “While the moonlight will wash out the fainter meteors, it’ll still be possible to see some of the bigger and brighter meteors, so it’s definitely worth a look if you have clear skies.”
The moon will be at its peak size and brightness at 4:01 a.m. Eastern time on Sunday.
In the New York City area and northern New Jersey, the moon will rise in the northeastern sky at 3:33 p.m. on Saturday, setting in the northwestern sky at 7:50 a.m. on Sunday. It will rise again at 4:32 p.m. on Sunday, set at 8:50 a.m.on Monday,and rise once more at approximately 5:40 p.m. on Monday, according to TimeAndDate.com.
By midnight on Saturday, the moon will be “very high, not far from the zenith,” Sky & Telescope magazine states.The publication notes, “The full moon of the Christmas season rides higher across the sky at midnight than at any other time of year.”
This happens because, “December is the month of the (winter) solstice, when the sun is farthest south in the sky. So, this is when the full moon (opposite the sun) is farthest north. As it makes its way across the night sky, the December full moon is a pale, cold imitation of the hot June sun crossing the daytime sky half a year ago.”
Most moon nicknames are derived from weather patterns, agricultural cycles, hunting practices, and other seasonal factors. This holds true for the December full moon.The popular nickname “cold moon” originates from Native American tribes, specifically the Mohawks. They assigned names to each full moon throughout the year to help track the changing seasons. In this case, the ”cold” in the nickname refers to the plummeting temperatures that begin as winter sets in.
While “cold moon” is the most common nickname, other names exist according to the Farmers’ Almanac and its counterpart, the Old Farmer’s Almanac. It’s sometimes called the “full long night’s moon” or the “moon before yule.”
“Yule” refers to the Pagan festivity of the winter solstice — the official start of winter. This year, the solstice falls on Saturday, December 21st, in the northern hemisphere.
As for the “long night” nickname, the Farmers’ Almanac explains it’s “as the midwinter night is indeed long, and because the moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter full moon has a high trajectory across the sky as it is indeed opposite a low sun.”
How can the brightness of the “cold moon” affect stargazing during the Geminid meteor shower?
Interview: understanding the December 2024 “cold Moon” with Astronomer Dr. Emily Rivers
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rivers. With the upcoming full moon on December 15, 2024, frequently enough referred to as the “cold moon,” can you explain what makes this celestial event significant, even if it doesn’t feature the supermoon allure like the previous months?
Dr. Emily Rivers (ER): Absolutely, and thank you for having me! The December full moon, even though it won’t be exceptionally large or shining like the supermoons we’ve seen, still holds its unique charm. It marks a transition into winter with its name—originating from native American tribes like the Mohawks—which reflects the chilly air that arrives as the season changes. So, while it may not be super in size, it symbolizes the start of winter.
TNE: What can stargazers expect in terms of visibility this weekend, especially given that it’s coinciding with the geminid meteor shower?
ER: Great question! On Saturday night, the moon will be 99% illuminated, reaching its full peak early Sunday morning at 4:01 a.m. Eastern time. Sadly, its brightness will wash out many of the fainter meteors during the Geminid meteor shower. However, the experts from Space.com suggest that people can still catch sightings of the bigger, brighter meteors if they have clear skies, making the event worth experiencing.
TNE: For those in the New York City area and northern New Jersey,what are the best times to see the “cold moon”?
ER: In that region,the moon will rise at 3:33 p.m. on Saturday and set at 7:50 a.m.on Sunday. Interestingly, midnight will be a prime viewing time as the moon will be high in the sky, which is quite distinctive as the December full moon tends to ride higher than at any other time of the year. People should also note that it will rise again at 4:32 p.m. on Sunday, allowing for multiple chances to see it in different phases.
TNE: Can you elaborate on the cultural significance of the “cold moon” beyond just its name?
ER: Certainly! The name “cold moon” is a reflection of natural phenomena. The term encapsulates the dropping temperatures as winter sets in. Other nicknames include “full long night’s moon” and “moon before yule,” which acknowledge the extended nights of midwinter and the Pagan festivities of the winter solstice, respectively. These names are rooted in agricultural cycles and emphasize the deep relationship between lunar cycles and human life.
TNE: Why do you think it’s essential for people to engage with these lunar events despite the scientific details?
ER: Engaging with lunar events provides a sense of connection to our habitat and the changing seasons. It creates opportunities for people to gather, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Even if the cold moon won’t be exceptionally bright, it can serve as a reminder of the larger cosmic dance in which we’re all participating. Plus, it’s a chance for everyone to step outside, enjoy the evening air, and perhaps even do a little stargazing, making it an enriching experience.
TNE: Fantastic insights, Dr. Rivers! Any last advice for our readers as they prepare for this celestial event?
ER: Definitely! Make sure to find a spot with as little light pollution as possible for the best viewing experience. Bring along some warm blankets and a thermos of hot chocolate to enjoy the evening. And, if you have an opportunity, take a moment to appreciate not just the moon, but the beauty of the universe around you. It’s a special time, and every little glimpse of the sky can inspire wonder.
Conclusion:
As we prepare to witness the “cold moon” this December 15, embracing the moment not only enriches our understanding of astronomy but also connects us with the traditions and rhythms of nature. Set your sights skyward and enjoy this enchanting spectacle!