A Rare “Cold Moon” Is Coming—Here’s What You Need to Know
Get ready for a special night in the sky! This weekend, you’ll have a chance to see something that won’t happen again for nearly 20 years. Along with the colorful Geminid meteor shower, we’ll see the last full moon of the year—called the “cold moon”—rise in a very unusual way.
Why Is It Called the “Cold Moon”?
December nights are long and chilly, and that’s exactly why this month’s full moon is known as the “cold moon.” It appears right before the winter solstice (December 21), when the days are shortest and temperatures often drop. Some people also call it the “frost moon” or “winter moon.”
What Makes This Cold Moon Special?
This year’s cold moon stands out for a few big reasons:
- It Rises and Sets Far to the North:
Just like the sun, the moon doesn’t always rise and set in the same place. Because of Earth’s tilt, where the moon rises and sets changes throughout the year. In December, the full moon appears at its most northern points on the horizon. - It Won’t Happen Again Until 2043:
The moon’s orbit “wobbles” over time, completing a special cycle every 18.6 years. This weekend’s full moon is at a part of that cycle called a “major lunar standstill,” which makes its rising and setting points even more extreme. After this weekend, the moon won’t rise and set this far north again until the year 2043! - It Might Affect Your View of the Meteor Shower:
The bright light of the full moon can make it harder to see faint “shooting stars” during the Geminid meteor shower. Even though the Geminids are one of the best meteor showers of the year, you may spot fewer meteors because of the moonlight.
When and How to See the Cold Moon:
The cold moon will reach its fullest point early Sunday morning. But don’t worry—you can still enjoy it Saturday night or early Sunday, as long as the skies are clear.
For example, here’s when the moon rises and sets in a few cities:
- Washington, D.C.: Rises around 3:53 p.m. Saturday, sets around 7:54 a.m. Sunday
- Chicago: Rises around 3:24 p.m. Saturday, sets around 7:51 a.m. Sunday
- Los Angeles: Rises around 4:02 p.m. Saturday, sets around 7:28 a.m. Sunday
Remember to dress warmly if you head outside to see the show. This “cold moon” is a rare event that won’t happen again for a very long time—so it’s worth taking a look!
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