This weekend, witness the peak of a remarkable full moon event, happening for the first time in 19 years - the renowned "Cold Moon."
The last complete moon of 2024, known as the "Frosty Moon," is set to appear next weekend, illuminating the early evening sky as it emerges in the east during twilight.
Dubbed the "Frosty Moon," but also known as the "Lengthy Night Moon" and the "Moon Prior to Yule," here's what you need to know about it, including the precise date, location, and circumstances for seeing it at its finest:
When Does The "Frosty Moon" Occur?
The "Frosty Moon" will become complete at 9:01 UTC/4:01 a.m. EST on Sunday, December 15, and the optimal time to observe it will be moonrise that day. It will occur just two days after the peek of the annual Geminids meteor shower.
Ideal Time to Witness The Full "Frosty Moon"
A full moon looks its best when it appears on the eastern horizon shortly after the sun has set in the west. It will seem more prominent than usual and will be a stunning, muted orange. The perfect time to observe it will be a few minutes after moonrise in your area, though this depends on your location.
Sunday, December 15
- In New York, sunset is at 4:29 p.m. EST, and moonrise is at 4:32 p.m. EST.
- In Los Angeles, sunset is at 4:45 p.m. PST, and moonrise is at 5:03 p.m. PST.
Monday, December 16
- In London, sunset is at 3:52 p.m. GMT, and moonrise is at 4:28 p.m. GMT.
Observing The Full "Frosty Moon"
For the most breathtaking views of the "Frosty Moon"—assuming clear skies—head to a high location with an easterly view for a clear glimpse of the horizon. The naked eye will suffice, though a pair of binoculars will offer an amazing close-up.
Why The "Frosty Moon" Is An "Extreme" Full Moon
This weekend's complete "Frosty Moon" marks a unique celestial event: the Major Lunar Standstill, happening only once every 18.6 years. On December 15, 2024, the complete moon will rise and set at its most northern positions, and will reach its highest point in the sky.
The phenomenon occurs due to the moon's tilted orbit and Earth's axial tilt, which result in dramatic rise and set positions over a two-year cycle — but this is the weekend to see the most northern full moonrise. It won't happen again until December 2043.
Why The "Frosty Moon" Will Appear High
December's complete moon is always the highest-positioned complete moon of the year. That's because the moon mirrors the sun's path across the sky. Since the sun is at its lowest in the sky this month, as seen from the northern hemisphere, the complete moon—opposite the sun—must be the highest. It will also be visible in the night sky for longer than any other complete moon of the year.
When Is The Next Complete Moon?
The next complete moon after the "Frosty Moon" will be the complete "Wolf Moon" at 22:26 UTC/5:26 p.m. EST on Monday, January 13—the first complete moon of winter and of 2025.
Wishing you clear skies and wide-open eyes.
- If you're wondering, 'when is the full moon tonight', the answer is that it's not a full moon tonight, but the 'Frosty Moon' will become complete at 9:01 UTC on December 15.
- You might be curious, 'is tonight a full moon', and the answer is no, but you can look forward to the 'Frosty Moon' on December 15. For your reference, the full moon calendar 2025 includes the 'Wolf Moon' on January 13, 2025.
- Speaking of the 'Frosty Moon', did you know that it's also known as the 'Lengthy Night Moon' and the 'Moon Prior to Yule'? This major lunar event is considered an 'extreme' full moon due to the Major Lunar Standstill happening only once every 18.6 years.
- In case you're wondering when was the last full moon, it was likely before the 'Frosty Moon', as the 'Cold Moon' of 2024 occurred on November 8.
