Another full moon is approaching, which this time is quite logically called the Cold Moon. In December 2024 it falls on the 15th day of the month. We tell you how to observe it better and when.
The Cold Full Moon of 2024
During one calendar year it is possible to observe 12 or 13 full moons. In 2024 there should be only 12 of them and the last of them will take place on December 15. Traditionally, it is called the Cold Moon. This is how it was once called by the reviewers of the Old Farmer’s Almanac and from here the name spread to other publications.
In general, the full moon is a phenomenon that has almost nothing to do with events on the surface of our planet. It is just that at some point the Moon takes such a position in its orbit that its Sunlit hemisphere is turned towards us.
And the only influence that the Moon can theoretically have on events on Earth at this time is to provide additional illumination, and that only when the sky is not covered with lower clouds. Therefore, no specific events inherent in each individual full moon and conditioned by it, simply do not occur.
In general, it is not known exactly where the authors of Old Farmer’s Almanac actually got their names from. There are no ethnographic studies confirming their authenticity. However, it would not be possible to accuse them of outright lying either. After all, it is indeed cold everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere in December. But it does not depend on the phase of the moon.
How to observe the full moon
This full moon will be neither a super moon nor a micro moon. During it, our satellite will be far from both apogee and perigee. There will be no eclipse at this time either. In addition, the current full moon will fall at 9:02 a.m. universal time (11:02 a.m. Kyiv time).
Therefore, during the maximum phase, the Moon will simply not be in the sky of Ukraine, because it will hide behind the horizon at 6:23 a.m. To admire it, you should choose the night of December 14-15. When at 3:33 p.m. on December 14, the Sun will sink below the horizon, the Moon will already rise above it.
It will be in the constellation Taurus, and will move across the sky with it during the night. Jupiter will be nearby at this time. But if you do not manage to admire the full moon on December 14, it is quite possible to do it on December 15. On that day, the Moon will rise in Kiev at 3:08 p.m., which is about half an hour before the Sun sets.
In London, time coincides with universal time. Therefore, at the time of the full moon, it will still be morning there. However, by that time the satellite of our planet will also have time to hide behind the horizon. Therefore, as well as in Ukraine, it is better to observe it on the night from 14 to 15. Here the Moon will also be visible all night.
But residents of the East Coast of the United States will have better luck. Here the full phase will occur at 4:02 a.m. local time. At this time, the sky will still be dark, and the Moon will be hanging over the western horizon. If you wake up well before dawn on this day, you will be able to admire it in all its glory.
