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The next full Moon, known as the Cold Moon, will grace the skies on Sunday morning, December 15, 2024, reaching its peak at 4:02 a.m. EST. This celestial event marks a special time, as the Moon will appear full for about three days, from Friday evening through Monday morning, making it a “full Moon weekend” across many regions.

Why Is It Called the Cold Moon?

The name Cold Moon originates from the Maine Farmers’ Almanac, which published Native American Moon names in the 1930s. December’s full Moon is associated with the long, cold nights of winter. Other traditional names for this Moon include the Frost Moon, symbolizing the onset of frosty weather, and the Winter Moon. In Europe, it’s also known as the Moon Before Yule and the Oak Moon, linked to ancient Yule celebrations and Druid traditions.

Astronomical Highlights

As the full Moon closest to the winter solstice, this is also called the Long Night Moon. During this time, the Moon’s path in the sky appears at its highest, offering a stunning celestial display. For Washington, D.C., on the night of December 14 to 15, the Moon will be visible for 16 hours and 1 minute, reaching a maximum altitude of 79 degrees.

Cultural Significance

The Cold Moon holds various cultural meanings:

• Hindu Traditions: It coincides with Datta Jayanti, celebrating the birth of Lord Dattatreya, and Karthika Deepam, a festival in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Buddhist Observance: Sri Lankan Buddhists celebrate Unduvap Poya, commemorating the arrival of the sacred Bodhi Tree.
• Chinese Lunar Exploration: This period also recalls milestones of China’s Chang’e lunar missions, named after the Moon goddess.
• Jewish and Islamic Calendars: This full Moon aligns with the month of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar and Jumādā ath-Thāniyah in the Islamic calendar.

Viewing Tips

Bundle up and head outside to enjoy the celestial wonders. In addition to the full Moon, keep an eye out for planets such as Jupiter and Saturn, which will be prominent in the evening sky. Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons will be visible with a telescope, adding to the spectacle.

Meteor Showers and Comets

During this lunar cycle, notable meteor showers include:

• Ursids: Peaking around December 22.
• Quadrantids: Active from December 28 to January 12, with a sharp peak on January 3.

Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) might also make a brief appearance, potentially visible near the Sun on January 12.

Celebrate the Wonder of the Moon

Take this opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Cold Moon and its cultural significance. Whether stargazing with loved ones or exploring ancient traditions, this celestial event offers something for everyone.