Cold Moon lights up the night sky in Singapore and beyond

SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): The Cold Moon, the final full moon of 2024, looks set to light up the night sky – and social media – on Sunday night (Dec 15).

Nasa, the United States’ space agency, said the moon would appear full for about three days – from the evening of Dec 13 through the morning of Dec 16. However, it reaches peak fullness on Dec 15.

In Singapore, the Cold Moon will rise in the east at 7.02pm on Dec 15 and set in the west at 6.35am on Dec 16, according to NationsGeo.

Why is it called the Cold Moon?

The December full moon is traditionally known as the Cold Moon, a name that originates from temperate regions where this time of year is marked by freezing temperatures and snow, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, a US-based publication that features weather forecasts, astronomical data and planting charts for gardening enthusiasts.

Other names for the Cold Moon include the Long Night Moon, referring to the extended hours of darkness during December, and the Winter Maker Moon, highlighting its association with the onset of the coldest months in northern climates.

A rare lunar phenomenon

The Cold Moon on Sunday (Dec 15) will rise at its northernmost point in the sky, a rare event known as a “major lunar standstill”.

Occurring every 18.6 years, this phenomenon causes the moon to take its highest path across the sky, making it visible for longer than other full moons, the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles said.

This time, it coincides with the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, when the moon reaches its most northerly position.

What to expect in Singapore?

Some Singapore residents have already had an early peek at the Cold Moon.

Members of the Cloudspotting and Skyspotting Singapore Facebook group posted photos of the moon on the morning of Dec 15.

Ms Pornchada Vanich captured the moon shining brightly over a tree and wrote in her post: “Moon was calling me just before 6am this morning. With Jupiter on the left of the frame.”

She told The Straits Times: “It was a beautiful sight, and I captured it from the attic of my house off Stevens Road at 5.46am.”

In her post, Ms Juju Fong noted how the moon was “so bright and beautiful this morning” as she wished fellow members “a blessed Sunday”. Her photo showed the orb glowing brightly above a block of flats.

Ms Caroline Mah posted a montage of the moon shining brightly above some palm fronds at 5.44am. Her post was simply titled “Beautiful full moon…”

For an unobstructed and potentially elevated view of the Cold Moon with panoramic views of the city skyline, Singapore residents can visit open public areas like the Marina Barrage, East Coast Park, and the Southern Ridges.

Like most full moons, it should be easily visible anywhere in Singapore – as long as the skies are clear once the sun sets.

Pornchada Vanich captured an image of the Cold Moon from her home off Stevens Road at about 5.46am on Dec 15. — PHOTO: COURTESY OF PORNCHADA VANICH

Social media over the moon

The Cold Moon has already generated excitement globally, with meteorologists, nature organisations, and stargazers taking to social media to share photos.

In the United States, photographer Sherry Lynn took to Facebook late on Dec 14 to share stunning shots of the Cold Moon. In her post, she said: “Our beautiful moon has risen above the treetops here in the woods where I live.”

The US’ Grand Canyon National Park put up several photos on Dec 14 showing the moon rise, which it said was delayed “due to clouds near the horizon” and then one that showed it shining brightly over the landscape.

More than just the moon

According to Norway-based platform Timeanddate.com, the Cold Moon will not only dominate the night sky, but will also be accompanied by other celestial phenomena.

The platform, which provides a wide range of information related to time, dates and astronomy, indicated that Jupiter and Mars will also be “perfectly visible” in Singapore’s night sky on Dec 15. Those in Singapore may spot this planetary arrangement if the skies remain clear, adding an extra layer of wonder to the event.

The next full moon

The next chance to see a full moon will come with the Wolf Moon on Jan 13, 2025 – but for now, the Cold Moon promises a luminous end to 2024.