This weekend, the final full moon of 2024, known as the Cold Moon, will grace the night sky, marking the beginning of the holiday season. Set to rise overnight on Saturday, December 14, the full moon will stay visible until it sets with the sunrise on Sunday, December 15. It will take its place in the Taurus constellation, near Auriga, the Charioteer, and will be accompanied by the bright planet Jupiter.
Notably, the December full moon coincides with the peak of the Geminid meteor shower, which will be most active on the night of December 13. Though the brightness of the moon may hinder the visibility of some meteors, observers will likely still catch sight of a few shooting stars with a little patience and warm attire.
The full moon will officially reach its peak at 4:02 a.m. EST (0902 GMT) on Sunday morning. However, the moon’s glow will begin to be noticeable as early as Friday night, appearing nearly full at 97.9% illumination. For the subsequent two days, the moon will remain over 90% illuminated, although it will rise later in the evening each night.
In addition to Jupiter, skywatchers can also spot Venus shining brightly in the southwest as an evening star before it sets shortly after sunset. Saturn will be visible high in the sky within the Aquarius constellation for several hours after the moon rises, while Mars will make an appearance above the Gemini constellation a few hours later.
The term “Cold Moon” describes the long, frigid nights typical of December. It carries various names in different traditions, such as the Oak Moon from Celtic customs, the Snow Moon in Cherokee culture, and the Long Night Moon in Mohican history.
For those interested in capturing the beauty of the December full moon, there are guides available on how to photograph celestial bodies, as well as recommendations for the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography.
In summary, this celestial event offers a fantastic opportunity for skywatchers to enjoy both the serene glow of the Cold Moon and the spectacular Geminid meteor shower, reminding us of the beauty and wonder that the cosmos holds. As we move into the holiday season, let this full moon serve as a symbol of hope and reflection during the cold December nights.