Additional Coverage:
- Final full moon of 2024 will be a lunar rarity (newsbreak.com)
Rare Lunar Phenomenon in December
This year, the full moon in December will reach its northernmost point in the sky, an event that occurs every 18.6 years. This phenomenon, known as a “major lunar standstill,” means the moon will appear higher in the sky than usual and be visible for longer.
Cold Moon and Geminid Meteor Shower
The full moon in December is traditionally called the “cold moon” due to the frigid temperatures that typically occur during this time. This year, the cold moon will coincide with the Geminid meteor shower, which peaks on December 13-14.
Stonehenge and Lunar Standstill
Stonehenge, the ancient monument in England, is believed to have been constructed to align with the major lunar standstill. The alignment of the stones corresponds to the direction of the moon’s most southerly rise.
Unique Characteristics
The cold moon is the full moon that happens closest to the winter solstice, which is the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. As a result, the moon takes a higher path along the top of the sky, making it visible for longer than other full moons.
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- Final full moon of 2024 will be a lunar rarity (newsbreak.com)