Skywatchers were treated to a dazzling celestial event this weekend as December’s Cold Moon, the last full moon of 2024, illuminated the night sky. The moon reached its peak brightness at 4:02 a.m. EST on Sunday, December 15, according to NASA. For those who braved the early hours, it was a breathtaking display, showcasing the stark beauty of the winter night sky.
Known as the Cold Moon, this full moon derives its name from the frigid conditions typically associated with December in the Northern Hemisphere. Other traditional names, such as the Long Night Moon and Frost Exploding Trees Moon, reflect the harsh but enchanting environment of the season, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. The Mohican name, the Long Night Moon, refers to its occurrence during one of the year’s longest nights.
The full moon appeared nearly round to the naked eye for several days, creating an extended viewing opportunity. According to NASA, the moon was 100% illuminated at its peak and remained over 95% illuminated between December 13 and December 16. During this time, its high arc across the night sky was especially prominent in the Northern Hemisphere due to the season’s astronomical dynamics. In contrast, the moon followed a lower trajectory for observers in the Southern Hemisphere.
For viewers, this lunar event also offered the chance to spot other celestial phenomena. On December 14, Jupiter shone brightly near the Cold Moon, alongside Aldebaran, the brightest star in the Taurus constellation. This conjunction added a unique highlight for those scanning the skies.
Astrophysicist Sara Russell of London’s Natural History Museum described the moon’s significance in an interview with CNN: “We are so lucky on Earth to have the Moon. There’s nowhere else in our Solar system where there is a planet and moon so proportionately close in size — the Moon is almost like our smaller twin,” Russell said. “It is better at preserving all of its history than is the surface of the Earth, and we can look up to its cratered surface to see how battered by impacts both the Moon and Earth have been over their 4.5 billion-year history.”
December’s full moon also marked a transition into the astronomical winter, with the winter solstice arriving at 4:21 a.m. EST on December 21. This celestial marker will be followed by the first full moon of 2025, the Wolf Moon, on January 13. Although the Cold Moon has now passed its peak, it’s still worth heading outside tonight and taking a look at this exciting lunar event.
