Get ready for a spectacular celestial show this weekend! The Northern Hemisphere will witness the last full moon of the year, captivating stargazers with its bright glow for over 16 hours from Saturday evening into Sunday morning.
This full moon, often referred to as the cold moon or the long night moon, will achieve its fullest brightness at 4:02 a.m. ET on Sunday. For those observing from the Northern Hemisphere, it will appear almost perfectly round for about three days, as indicated by NASA.
In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere will observe a shorter display, with the moon adorning a lower arch in the sky. A research scientist at London’s Natural History Museum explains that the moon in December reaches a higher position than one might anticipate due to the sun’s low trajectory in winter.
The name “cold moon” originates from the chilly weather typical in December, a naming convention credited to the Mohawk people and embraced by The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Observers are encouraged to catch a glimpse as the moon rises or sets near the horizon, bundled up warmly for the chilly night.
As this year winds down, skywatchers can also look forward to two meteor showers, with the Geminids concluding on December 21 and the Ursids peaking around the same time. Prepare for a magical night under the stars!
Don’t Miss the Last Full Moon of the Year: The Cold Moon Shines Bright!
# The Cold Moon: A Celestial Phenomenon
This weekend, the Northern Hemisphere will be treated to an extraordinary celestial event—the last full moon of the year, known as the Cold Moon or Long Night Moon. Perfectly visible for over 16 hours, this full moon reaches its peak at 4:02 a.m. ET on Sunday. It will appear nearly round for about three days, providing an ample opportunity for stargazers to appreciate its beauty.
# What is the Cold Moon?
The term “Cold Moon” stems from the frigid weather typical of December and is a name rooted in Native American traditions, particularly credited to the Mohawk people. This nomenclature was also embraced by The Old Farmer’s Almanac, reflecting the season’s characteristic chill.
# Observational Tips
Observers in the Northern Hemisphere are encouraged to catch sight of the Cold Moon as it rises or sets near the horizon. Remember to bundle up warmly; the nighttime temperatures can be notably low.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the moon will appear in a lower arch, creating a different viewing experience. According to experts from London’s Natural History Museum, the relative height of the moon in December can be surprising. This is due to the sun’s low trajectory during the winter months, causing the full moon to ascend higher than expected.
# Upcoming Celestial Events
As we move toward the end of the year, skywatchers can also anticipate two exciting meteor showers:
– Geminids Meteor Shower: Peaks around December 21, offering some of the brightest meteors of the year.
– Ursids Meteor Shower: Also occurs around the same time, adding to the festive astrological display.
# Final Thoughts
This season’s celestial events are not just an opportunity to enjoy the night sky, but also a chance to revel in the beauty of nature’s cycles. Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare for a night under the stars filled with wonder and awe.
For more information on celestial events and stargazing tips, visit Space.com.
