FP TrendingDecember 29, 2020 12:35:33 PM
After the celestial event of Christmas Star or the Great combination of Jupiter and SaturnSkywatchers can get excited about the last celestial event of the year 2020. This will be the last full moon of the year, also known as the Cold Moon. It will be the highest full moon in the entire Gregorian year, and interestingly enough, the 13th and final lunar event of 2020 will be visible on two different days. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon’s peak illumination would occur on December 29 at 7:54 pm IST and on December 30 at 8:57 pm IST. The Almanac says that just before sunset, people can see December’s full moon.
Seen a full moon in Washington, USA. Image credit: Flickr / Rocky Raybell
What makes Cold Moon 2020 special?
The Cold Moon will have a remarkably high trajectory across the sky. This makes the moon visible longer above the horizon.
It is also called the ‘Long Night Moon’ because the event takes place on one of the longest nights of the year. This is because the date is fairly close to the winter solstice. Since it takes place just after Christmas, the full moon is also called the ‘Moon After Yule’ in Europe. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the name Cold Moon has trickled in from some traditions observed by the Native Americans. The name refers to the “frigid conditions of this time of year”.
According to a report by Forbes, the timing of the Moon reaching its peak lies behind the globe that sees the Cold Moon on two different dates. While the Asia-Pacific, Europe and Africa have a full moon on December 30, both South America and North America will have it a day earlier, on December 29.
After this, the full moon will appear to be a full moon for the next three days.