NEW DELHI: Skywatchers were in for a treat as the Cold Moon, the final full moon of 2024, lit up the skies on December 15. This rare event, occurring once every 19 years, promised to be a spectacular sight, coinciding with a major lunar standstill and the Geminid meteor shower.
The Cold Moon, also known as the Long Night Moon or the Moon Before Yule, marks the beginning of the darker and colder season in the Northern Hemisphere. It is closely associated with the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. This year, the Cold Moon reached its peak at 4:02 AM EST (2:31 PM IST) on December 15, offering an extended period of visibility due to its high arc across the sky.
In India, the Cold Moon coincides with Margashirsha Purnima, a spiritually significant day in the Hindu calendar. This day is considered highly auspicious, with many devotees observing fasting, visiting temples, and participating in sacred rituals. The Purnima Tithi (full moon phase) starts at 4:58 PM on December 14 and ends at 2:31 PM on December 15.
The Cold Moon was visible for several hours before and after its peak, making it an excellent opportunity for skywatchers to witness this
NEW DELHI: Skywatchers were in for a treat as the Cold Moon, the final full moon of 2024, lit up the skies on December 15. This rare event, occurring once every 19 years, promised to be a spectacular sight, coinciding with a major lunar standstill and the Geminid meteor shower.
The Cold Moon, also known as the Long Night Moon or the Moon Before Yule, marks the beginning of the darker and colder season in the Northern Hemisphere. It is closely associated with the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. This year, the Cold Moon reached its peak at 4:02 AM EST (2:31 PM IST) on December 15, offering an extended period of visibility due to its high arc across the sky.
In India, the Cold Moon coincides with Margashirsha Purnima, a spiritually significant day in the Hindu calendar. This day is considered highly auspicious, with many devotees observing fasting, visiting temples, and participating in sacred rituals. The Purnima Tithi (full moon phase) starts at 4:58 PM on December 14 and ends at 2:31 PM on December 15.
The Cold Moon was visible for several hours before and after its peak, making it an excellent opportunity for skywatchers to witness this celestial event. The moon’s brightness reduced the visibility of the Geminid meteor shower, which peaked around December 13-14, but the combination of these events made December 2024 a memorable time for stargazing.
The Cold Moon holds significant cultural and symbolic meaning. It symbolizes the quiet and stillness of winter, a time for reflection, endurance, and preparation for the challenges of the cold season. Known as the Oak Moon in some cultures, it represents strength and resilience, much like the sturdy oak tree.
