Final countdown: Spain bids farewell to 2024 with a glorious Christmas Cold Moon
Don’t miss your chance to witness the last full moon of the year in Spain this weekend
Spain has played witness to some truly spectacular celestial events this year, from Comet of the Century back in October to the mesmerising Perseids meteor shower in August.
Just last month, stargazers around the country waited in eager anticipation for a look at the Beaver Moon, 2024’s last supermoon. But we’re in for another grand finale shortly as the Cold Moon, the very last full moon of the year, is set to light up our skies on Sunday December 15.
The Earth’s only natural satellite will reach its full moon phase and peak this coming Sunday at precisely 7.25pm, closing this year’s lunar cycle.
What is the Cold Moon?
The Cold Moon takes its name from North American indigenous traditions, including those of the Mohawk and Mohican peoples, who associated this lunar phase with the onset of the coldest winter temperatures. It symbolised a time of preparation for the challenges of the frigid season ahead.
In Europe, the Cold Moon has long been linked to winter solstice festivities, with some cultures dubbing it the ‘Moon Before Yule’, referring to the Christmas season. Across the globe in the Southern Hemisphere, the Māori call it Hakihea, celebrating summer’s arrival and the return of nesting birds.
And for those with children eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus, in popular tradition the Cold Moon is often pictured with the big man and his reindeer flying in front of it.
The practice of naming full moons became widely popular through the 19th-century Farmer’s Almanac, which borrowed these evocative names from indigenous traditions.
Each month’s full moon has its own identity, from January’s Wolf Moon to November’s Beaver Moon.
When and where to spot the Cold Moon
This year, the Cold Moon will shine brightest in the constellation of Gemini, reaching its highest point in the night sky as darkness falls. No special equipment is needed to enjoy its silvery glow, but heading to rural or elevated areas free from light pollution will offer the best views.
For stargazers looking to enhance their experience, binoculars or telescopes with filters can help reduce lunar brightness, revealing intricate surface details like craters and ridges.
December’s night sky: A stellar line-up
The Cold Moon is just one highlight in a month packed with astronomical wonders.
The Geminid Meteor Shower
Between December 13 and 14, the Geminids will peak, offering up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. However, the Cold Moon’s brightness might dim this spectacular light show.
The Ursid Meteor Shower
On December 22, the Ursids will take their turn, coinciding with the waning quarter moon phase. Though subtler than the Geminids, this shower adds a serene charm to December nights.
The Black Moon
December 2024 is unique in hosting two new moons, on December 1 and December 31. The second, known as a Black Moon, is a rare occurrence that happens only every two and a half years, further amplifying this month’s astronomical intrigue.
Fascinating facts about December’s Cold Moon
Cultural Significance
Nordic traditions call it the Oak Moon, celebrating the enduring strength of evergreens during harsh winters.
Luminous Power
The Cold Moon’s light can cast shadows and illuminate paths, creating an ethereal ambiance on clear nights.
Astronomical Finale
This full moon caps off a lunar year that includes the rare Black Moon, adding a layer of cosmic significance to December’s celestial calendar.
In other news: Spanish toll roads set for price hike in 2025
Image: Freepik
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