Cold Moon Shines Bright in Once-in-18-Years Event as 2024 Comes to a Close

The Cold Moon of December 2024 made a stunning appearance on the night of December 15, lighting up the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. As the final full moon of 2024, it bid farewell to the year in an awe-inspiring display that captivated skywatchers around the world. This year's Cold Moon is particularly remarkable, as it marked a rare event that would not be seen again until 2043. To many, it was a once-in-18-years opportunity to witness the moon at its highest and most northerly rise of the year.

The Cold Moon, which was usually associated with the cold temperatures of December, took on an enchanted glow as it ascended in the sky. As it rose in the east at dusk, the moon's surface had an orangey sheen due to the light scattering through Earth's atmosphere. The warm color faded away as it climbed higher in the sky, becoming the silvery radiance that is characteristic of full moons. For lovers of the stars, such a beautiful transition made it even more mystical, rendering the moon a celestial pageant for everyone to wonder at.

This was a truly Cold Moon. One of the defining characteristics of this Cold Moon was its sky position: the most northerly full moonrise and moonset until 2043, making it one of a kind in the history books. Mirroring the low arc taken by the sun in its daily round, the lofty ascent of the Cold Moon kept the moon above the horizon even longer than at any time of the year for the other full moons. The extended visibility of the moon was greatly appreciated by those living in the Northern Hemisphere. This was one of the longest nights of the year and was referred to as the Cold Moon.

The peak illumination of the Cold Moon occurred on December 15 at 4:01 a.m. EST, a time when it showed its full splendor. However, it was during the evening hours, as it first emerged above the horizon, that the moon truly captured the attention of observers. It appeared just above the horizon in a vibrant orange hue, as if painted by the twilight sky, offering a magnificent view for those lucky enough to witness its rise.

The outstanding full moon not only made the scene very beautiful to observe but was also an important date for the moon's 18.6-year cycle. The Cold Moon fell in line with the major lunar standstill—a rare event when the north and south extremities of moonrise and moonset happen furthest apart. This occurs twice during the moon cycle and is referred to as a lunistice. The rise and set of the Cold Moon are part of this cycle, following the southernmost moonrise that occurred earlier in the year with the Strawberry Moon in June. The standstill phenomenon illustrates the tilt of the moon, which causes these extreme rise and set positions that occur over a two-year period.

The Cold Moon is often referred to by several names in various cultures due to its deep connection to the winter season. The Long Nights Moon pays tribute to the long dark nights of December, and the Moon Before Yule acknowledges that it is close to the celebrations of the winter solstice. The Celts also referred to it as the Oak Moon, in reference to the trees that are central to their practices. In Native American cultures, December's full moon is referred to by a variety of names, such as the Drift Clearing Moon and the Winter Maker Moon, reflecting the harsh conditions and the transition into winter.

For skywatchers, the Cold Moon is not only a beautiful sight but also a reminder of the cyclical nature of our planet's relationship with the moon. As the phases progress, so does the Moon, but each full Moon brings something unique—whether it's the warmth from the Harvest Moon or the calm cool light of the Cold Moon. Year by year, these phenomena become precious, reminding humanity of the cosmic rhythms governing Earth.

Looking forward, the full moon, Wolf Moon, will rise on January 13, 2025, ushering in the new year with its bright, cold light. As we leave behind the magic of the Cold Moon, it is time to reflect on the year gone by and the mysteries of the universe that continue to inspire awe and wonder. For now, the Cold Moon is a perfect farewell to 2024, leaving behind memories of a rare celestial event that will not be repeated for nearly two decades.