Karmactive Staff
The December full moon, known traditionally as the Cold Moon, will emerge on December 15, 2024, at 4:02 a.m. EST, coinciding with a major lunar standstill.
Photo Source: Kolforn (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The moon’s positioning, as it rises and sets at its most northerly and southerly positions on the horizon, affeThects tidal patterns and creates unique observation opportunities.
Photo Source: Bruce Anderson (CC BY 2.0)
Professor Henry Throop's 7-year-old daughter Astrid offered a fresh perspective on this phenomenon five years ago, dubbing it the "Child Moon."
Photo Source: U.S. Embassy Australia (CC BY-ND 2.0)
Jupiter and Saturn remain prominent viewing targets during this period as through telescopes, Jupiter's moons and Saturn's thinning rings remain visible until March 2025.
Photo Source: NASA (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Three meteor showers, Comae Berenicids on December 16, Ursids on December 22, and Quadrantids from December 28 to January 12, 2025, accompany this lunar display.
Photo Source: NASA's (CC BY-NC 2.0)
Chinese lunar exploration marks this period historically as the Chang’e missions, named for the moon goddess who "lived on the Moon with her pet rabbit, Yutu," launched during similar timeframes.
Photo Source: China News Service (Youtube) (CC BY 3.0)
For optimal viewing on December 15, NASA has provided timings of morning twilight, sunrise, solar noon, sunset, and evening twilight
Photo Source: Gillfoto (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The International Meteor Organization notes the unpredictable nature of meteor showers during this period of cold moon as severe fluctuations have been observed.
Photo Source: Jeff Sullivan (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)