December's Cold Moon: 2024's Last Full Moon Illuminates the Night

The December 2024 full moon, known as the "cold moon," will illuminate the sky this weekend, reaching its peak brightness early Sunday morning, December 15. Although it won't be a supermoon, it will still be a significant celestial event, coinciding with the Geminid meteor shower, which may be partially obscured by the moonlight. The "cold moon" nickname originates from Native American tribes, reflecting the onset of winter's chilly weather. The moon will be most visible in the northeastern U.S., with specific rise and set times provided for the New York City region.