Witness the Radiance of the "Cold Moon" Illuminating the Christmas Night Sky in a Rare 18-Year Occurrence
Last night, the Grand Departure Moon graciously waved goodbye to 2024, spreading its initial orangey, subsequently silver radiance throughout one of the lengthiest nights in the year's Northern Hemisphere.
Marking the finale of the annual cycle and autumn, this full moon was encircled by the radiant stars Capella in Auriga and Betelgeuse in Orion, with the planet Jupiter serving as its sidekick.
According to Timeanddate.com, the Moon's uncommon visibility in the northern sky during its full stage, which took place on Dec. 15, 2024, at 4:01 a.m. EST, was the most northerly full moonrise and moonset until December 2043. This extraordinary event left seasoned skywatchers in awe.
As the most northerly and highest-rising full moon of the year, the Grand Departure Moon mirrored the sun's low arc in the daytime sky. Its exalted position allowed it to shine for a longer duration than any other full moon.
Reaching its peak brilliance at dawn, the Grand Departure Moon was most captivating as it ascended in the east at dusk, imparting a warm orange tint to its surface due to sunlight diffusing through the Earth's atmosphere.
The primary lunar standstill is a rare celestial occurrence that happens when the northernmost and southernmost moonrise and moonset are farthest apart during the Moon's 18.6-year cycle. The extremes of the Moon's horizon placement occur during a two-year period.
At the endpoints of this cycle, the Moon experiences the major lunar standstill, also known as a lunistice. This celestial event takes place when Earth and the Moon are at their maximum tilt, resulting in the Moon rising and setting at the limits of its range.
Post the southernmost moonrise and moonset, which occurred during the full Strawberry Moon's ascent on June 21, 2024, the current major lunar standstill witnessed its most northerly full moonrise and moonset.
Named for the bone-chilling temperatures in December, the Grand Departure Moon is also recognized as the Long Nights Moon, symbolizing the extended hours of darkness at this time. It is also called the Moon Before Yule, alluding to ancient Pagan winter solstice festivities. The Celts referred to it as the Oak Moon, while Native American tribes called December's full moon the Drift Clearing Moon and the Winter Maker Moon.
The soon-to-come full moon, the Wolf Moon, is set to ascend on Jan. 13, 2025.
Here's wishing you skies free of clouds and eyes wide open.
When can we expect the next eclipse after the Grand Departure Moon? Curiously, the next full moon, often referred to as the 'Wolf Moon', will appear on January 13, 2025. Moving further, the 'Full Moons 2025' will include the Cold Moon, which is known for its frigid temperatures. Interestingly, the Major Lunar Standstill, a rare celestial event, will occur in 2025, resulting in the full moon rising and setting at the most northerly position. Moreover, the full moon in 2025 will not be the only full moon to capture our attention. The 'Moon 2025' will also be marked by the occurrence of the full moon during the Wolf Moon, as well as the Cold Moon. Lastly, music to the ears of skywatchers, a major lunar standstill is anticipated in 2025, promising the most northerly full moonrise and moonset.
