December’s Cold Moon marks final full moon of the year
The full moon happens near the Geminid Meteor Shower peak on Dec. 13 and 14, which isn’t good news for skygazers hoping to see shooting stars. However, it is a good time to see Jupiter in opposition appearing bright near the Moon.
2024 Moon phases for the Northern Hemisphere
NASA produced rendering of the Moon's phases during 2024.
The final full moon of 2024, known as the Cold Moon, will rise in mid-December, lighting up the night sky.
December's full moon is known as the Cold Moon or the Long Night Moon because it occurs during the longest periods of darkness of the year, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Dec. 21, the shortest day of the year, marks the winter solstice or the start of astronomical winter. But if you ask any meteorologist, winter began on Dec. 1.
The Moon will appear fullest at 4:02 a.m. ET on Dec. 15, but thankfully you don't need to be up at that time to see the beautiful sight, as our planet's only satellite will also appear full in the night prior and after.
More skygazing highlights for December
December is a good time to view the Moon along with Jupiter. On Dec. 7, Jupiter will be in opposition, making it appear the brightest all year. The gas giant will be visible all night long.
On Dec. 14, Jupiter will appear bright between the nearly full Moon and Taurus’s star, Aldebaran.
FILE: Clouds clear to allow a view of the final full moon of the year, a so-called 'Cold Moon', as it appears behind Christmas lights decorating Penzance main street on December 13, 2016 in Cornwall, England.
(Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
The full moon occurs near the peak of the Geminid Meteor Shower on Dec. 13 and 14, which isn’t good news for skygazers hoping to see shooting stars. The moonlight will reduce visibility, but according to NASA, the week prior should still be a good time to try to see the meteor shower.
The Geminids meteor shower is seen at the top of Niubei Mountain in Ya 'an, Sichuan Province, China, Dec 14, 2023. (Photo credit should read CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Geminids are known for their speed and yellow color. The meteor shower is "considered to be one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers," according to NASA. It's possible to spot Geminids through Christmas Eve.
The next full moon happens on Jan. 13, known as the Wolf Moon.