The December ‘Cold Moon’: A Stellar Finale to 2023

As the curtains draw on 2023, the celestial stage is set for a breathtaking spectacle – the final full moon, known as the “Cold Moon,” gracing the Christmas night and reaching its peak on Tuesday at 7:33 p.m. ET. The moon, with its warm lunar glow, promises to illuminate the cool holiday nights for several evenings.

Winter’s First Full Moon Unveiled

Native Americans, particularly the Mohawk people, coined the term “Cold Moon” for December’s full moon, reflecting the cooler temperatures of the Northern Hemisphere’s winter. Other poetic names bestowed upon this lunar marvel include the “Snow Moon,” the “Winter Maker Moon,” and the “Moon When the Deer Shed Their Antlers,” symbolizing the end of the breeding season for deer, elk, moose, and caribou.

Antler Insights and Winter Solstice Magic

Intriguingly, only female caribou retain their antlers by Christmas, providing a unique identifier for Santa’s reindeer. This full moon, occurring shortly after the winter solstice on December 21, marks the first since this celestial event. The winter solstice Moon takes the highest path along the sky, making it the longest night of the year.

Ample Viewing Opportunities

The proximity of the Cold Moon to the winter solstice ensures extended nights for sky-gazers to revel in its luminous beauty. Whether in search of unobstructed views of the horizon or simply gazing skyward from anywhere with a clear view, observers can catch a glimpse of this astronomical marvel, a fitting conclusion to the astronomical wonders of 2023.

Epilogue

As we bid adieu to 2023, let the Cold Moon’s glow serve as a celestial punctuation, marking the end of a year with a touch of enchantment from the vast cosmos above.