This weekend offers an extraordinary celestial spectacle as the Cold Moon, the years final and longest full moon, illuminates the night sky on December 15. This rare event, steeped in both natural beauty and cultural significance, will not recur until 2043.Why is it called the Cold MoonThe Cold Moon gets its name from Decembers long, frigid nights. Native American tribes historically referred to it as the Long Nights Moon or the Moon before Yule, reflecting its proximity to the winter solstice on December 21.The Cold Moon will reach its peak illumination at 4:02 a.m. ET (2:32 p.m. IST). Weather permitting, it will remain visible for hours before and after this time.Unique features of 2024 Cold MoonThis years Cold Moon coincides with the major lunar standstill, a phenomenon occurring once every 18.6 years. During this event, the moons orbit reaches its most extreme northern and southern positions, creating the moons farthest northern rise and set points of 2024.This spectacular alignment is due to Earths axial tilt and the moons wobbling orbit. After this weekend, the moon will not reach such northern extremes until 2043.Cold Moon and the Geminid meteor showerThe Cold Moons brilliance may overshadow the Geminid meteor shower, peaking on Friday night. Known as one of the most reliable meteor showers, the Geminids will still be visible on Saturday night, but the moons radiant glow might make spotting meteors challenging.
