The Cold Moon is the final full moon of the year 2024, rising higher in the night sky than any other full moon, next to Jupiter.
This full moon will be located in the constellation Taurus, surrounded by some of the brightest stars in the night sky and Jupiter. While it can be easily seen with the naked eye, a pair of binoculars or a small telescope for beginners will provide a stunning close-up view of the orange-hued surface of the moon as it rises above the eastern horizon.
The Cold Moon occurs a week before the winter solstice. (Photo: Martin Ruegner).
Named the Cold Moon because it rises just one week before the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, it signals the beginning of the astronomical winter. It is also referred to as the Long Night Moon and the Yule Moon, referencing a Pagan festival that coincides with the winter solstice.
As the moon will be opposite the sun, it will reflect the sun’s movement. When the sun is at its lowest point in the southern sky during the day, as viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, the Cold Moon will be at its highest point.
On the night of the full moon, it will shine below Capella in the constellation Auriga and above Betelgeuse in the constellation Orion, with Jupiter to the right. This largest planet will be clearly visible throughout the month in the night sky.
The Cold Moon also rises close to the peak of the Geminid meteor shower, one of the most prolific meteor showers of the year. Unfortunately, the bright light of the moon will make spotting many meteors more difficult than usual.
