December’s Cold Moon is the last full moon of 2024. Here’s when it peaks and how it got its name.

Prepare for the ultimate full moon of 2024: the Chilly Moon. 

Skywatchers who wish to see it at its fullest needs to be ready to move out this weekend — the December full moon will attain peak illumination at 4:02 a.m. EST on Sunday, Dec. 15. 

But when being out within the predawn hours appears unlikely for you Sunday, you do not essentially must catch it precisely on the peak. The moon will seem full for a number of days. The Outdated Farmer’s Almanac particulars particular moonrise occasions for various ZIP codes throughout the U.S. 

Why is the December full moon known as the Chilly Moon?

December’s full moon is known as the Chilly Moon, in response to the Outdated Farmer’s Almanac. The title was chosen due to how chilly it often is throughout December’s full moon.

The moon additionally has a number of different nicknames, together with the Lengthy Evening Moon, a reputation with Mohican origins, in response to the Farmer’s Almanac. The title is as a result of December’s full moon occurs on one of many longest nights of the 12 months. 

Different names for December’s moon embody the Drift Clearing Moon, the Frost Exploding Timber Moon, the Moon of the Popping Timber, Hoar Frost Moon, Snow Moon and Winter Maker Moon, in response to the almanac.

How lengthy will December’s moon be full?

Whereas the moon reaches peak illumination early on Dec. 15, it’s going to seem full for a number of days. In line with NASA, round 95% of the moon’s nearside was anticipated to be illuminated by the solar on Friday, Dec. 13, and 99% of the moon’s nearside can be illuminated on Saturday, Dec. 14. The company stated 100% can be illuminated on Dec. 15. On Dec. 16, 98% of the moon will nonetheless be illuminated.

This month, NASA additionally suggests holding an eye fixed out for Jupiter, sitting between the practically full moon and Aldebaran, the brightest star within the Taurus constellation, on Dec. 14.

NASA says you will not want binoculars or a telescope to benefit from the view of the Chilly Moon. Native forecasts have detailed data on how clear the night time sky can be in several places the place persons are holding an eye fixed out for the moon.

The primary full moon of 2025 can be on Monday, Jan. 13. It is referred to as the Wolf Moon.