A Lunar Rarity: 5 Ways to Manifest with the Final Full Moon of 2024

The final full moon of 2024, known as the Cold Moon, offers a rare opportunity to harness its powerful energy for manifestation and transformation. This lunar event, peaking on December 15, is a time to release the past, set new intentions, and align with the universe. Use this celestial moment to manifest abundance, let go of fear, and plant seeds for the future.

CONTENTS:

• Cold Moon peaks on December 15th, 2024
• Cold Moon aligns with major lunar standstill
• Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight: How to Catch the Spectacle

A Lunar Rarity: 5 Ways to Manifest with the Final Full Moon of 2024

Cold Moon peaks on December 15th, 2024

A Lunar Rarity: 5 Ways to Manifest with the Final Full Moon Prepare for the final full moon of 2024, known as the Cold Moon, which will reach its peak brightness at 4:02 a.m. EST on Sunday, December 15.

If waking up in the predawn hours isn’t an option, don’t worry—the moon will appear nearly full for several days. The Old Farmer’s Almanac offers moonrise times for specific ZIP codes across the U.S., helping skywatchers plan their viewing.

Why is it called the Cold Moon?

A Lunar Rarity: 5 Ways to Manifest with the Final Full MoonDecember’s full moon is called the Cold Moon due to the typically frigid weather associated with this time of year, as noted by the Old Farmer’s Almanac. It’s also referred to as the Long Night Moon, a name rooted in Mohican tradition, as it occurs during some of the year’s longest nights. Other names include the Drift Clearing Moon, Frost Exploding Trees Moon, Moon of the Popping Trees, Hoar Frost Moon, Snow Moon, and Winter Maker Moon.

How long will it appear full?

A Lunar Rarity: 5 Ways to Manifest with the Final Full Moon While peak illumination occurs early on December 15, the moon will look full for several days. According to NASA, 95% of the moon’s nearside will be illuminated by December 13, 99% on December 14, and a full 100% on December 15. Even on December 16, it will still be 98% illuminated.

Other celestial sights

A Lunar Rarity: 5 Ways to Manifest with the Final Full Moon On December 14, look for Jupiter positioned between the nearly full moon and Aldebaran, the brightest star in the Taurus constellation. No special equipment is needed to enjoy the spectacle, though checking local forecasts can help ensure a clear view.

The first full moon of 2025, the Wolf Moon, will follow on Monday, January 13.

A Lunar Rarity: 5 Ways to Manifest with the Final Full Moon The final full moon of 2024 will be a rare astronomical event, as it coincides with a phenomenon called a “major lunar standstill,” which occurs every 18.6 years. During this event, the moon rises and sets at its farthest northern and southern points on the horizon.

Highlights of December’s Cold Moon

A Lunar Rarity: 5 Ways to Manifest with the Final Full MoonDecember’s full moon, also known as the Cold Moon, will reach its peak brightness at 4 a.m. EST on Sunday, December 15. However, it will appear full on both Saturday and Monday nights, providing ample viewing opportunities. This year, it will shine alongside the Geminid meteor shower, which peaks between December 13 and 14.

What is a Major Lunar Standstill?

A Lunar Rarity: 5 Ways to Manifest with the Final Full MoonA major lunar standstill occurs when the moon rises and sets at its most extreme northern and southern positions on the horizon, due to the combined movements of Earth and the moon. On December 15, the full moon will reach its northernmost point in the sky, according to the Griffith Observatory. This rare alignment takes place because the moon’s path differs from the sun’s, creating shifting rising and setting positions on the horizon.

Stonehenge, the ancient monument in England, is believed to have been constructed with this phenomenon in mind. The arrangement of the stones aligns with the southernmost moonrise during a major lunar standstill.

Why is it Called the Cold Moon?

A Lunar Rarity: 5 Ways to Manifest with the Final Full MoonThe name “Cold Moon” originated with the Mohawk tribe, reflecting the frigid conditions of this time of year. It is also referred to as the “Long Night Moon” by the Mohicans, symbolizing its occurrence near the winter solstice, the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, the moon takes its highest path across the sky, remaining visible for an extended duration.

Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight: How to Catch the Spectacle

The highly anticipated Geminid meteor shower, known for its vibrant and colorful meteors, reaches its peak tonight, December 13. Despite the bright moonlight, skywatchers may still catch some stunning meteors streaking across the night sky.

What Makes the Geminids Special?

The Geminids are one of the most active meteor showers of the year, resulting from Earth passing through debris left by the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. Under perfect conditions, the Geminids can produce up to 120 meteors per hour. However, this year’s bright moon may obscure dimmer meteors, though the brightest ones and occasional fireballs should still be visible.

Meteors appear to radiate from the Gemini constellation, but it’s best not to look directly at it. Instead, shift your gaze around nearby constellations for a broader view of meteors with longer trails.

Best Viewing Times

Peak activity is expected from late evening into the early morning hours, with 2 a.m. local time offering the best chance to spot meteors as Gemini, the radiant point, reaches its highest position in the sky.

If you prefer to stay indoors, you can catch a live broadcast of the meteor shower courtesy of the Virtual Telescope Project. The livestream begins at 6:00 p.m. EST (2300 GMT) on December 13, weather permitting.

Tips for Enjoying the Show

• No special equipment required: Simply find a dark spot away from city lights for the best experience.
• Stay warm: Bring blankets, dress in layers, and enjoy a thermos of hot chocolate for added comfort.
• Plan for extended viewing: Even if clouds obscure the view tonight, the meteor shower remains active until December 21. Predawn hours are ideal, as the moon sets earlier each night.

For precise sunrise and moonrise times in your area, try using a sunrise-sunset calculator.