The final full moon of the year, known as the cold moon, will appear early on Sunday, December 15. This month’s full moon will also feature a lunar rarity as it will rise and set at its most extreme northerly points on the horizon, a result of a once-every-18.6 year cycle. This phenomenon, known as the major lunar standstill, occurs due to the moon’s inclined orbit around the Earth. The moon will appear to rise as far north as it ever does during this time, making it a special event to observe.
The full moon on December 15 will peak at 4:02 a.m. EST and is commonly referred to as the cold moon, reflecting the frigid conditions of winter. It is also known as the long night moon due to its proximity to the winter solstice, marking the longest night of the year. The winter solstice is set to occur on December 21 at 4:19 a.m. EST.
The first full moon of 2025, known as the wolf moon, will rise on Monday, January 13. This moon is named after the howling of wolves, which were more likely to be heard during the winter months. Overall, the upcoming full moons offer a chance to witness the beauty and unique phenomena of the lunar cycle.
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