The 'Cold Moon' is the last full moon of the year, or better known as the full moon of December.
The last lunar event of the year is upon us and this time the cold Moon is going to light up the night sky. The 'Cold Moon' is the last full moon of the year, or better known as the full moon of December.
It is also called the 'Long Nights Moon' in the US as it falls near the winter solstice - the longest night of the year. Cold Moon occurs right after Christmas day, the 'Moon After Yule' in Europe. This comes after skywatchers witnessed the 'Christmas Star' and the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn just before Christmas.
Cold Moon 2020 - Date and time
The Cold Moon is the 13th and final full moon of 2020 and will be visible for two nights.
The final full Moon or Cold Moon of 2020 will appear in the night sky on December 29-30. It will be at its peak at 10.30 PM EST. In India, it is going to take place on December 30 and the best time to watch this is at 8:58 PM. In North America, the full moon will be visible on December 29.
If you miss it on the first day, it is fine because you have the chance to watch it on the two nights and enjoy the last full moon of the year 2020.
After that, you will have to wait until January 28 for the first Full Moon of 2021.
Best time to see Full Moon
The best time to watch the Cold Moon is close to sunset and at the time of moonrise, which takes place at dusk in the eastern sky almost opposite a setting Sun. The full Moon will appear on the eastern horizon about 15-20 minutes after the moonrise time.
Why is Full Moon orange in colour?
At the time of moonrise, the reflected sunlight is seen by the observer on Earth. This sunlight reaches the observer after passing through the Earth’s atmosphere. What actually happens is that light towards the blue end of the spectrum scatters on particles due to shorter wavelengths.
On the other hand, light towards the red end of the spectrum travels through the atmosphere without much scattering because of longer wavelengths. As a result of this, the moonrise appears to be bright orange, turning to a pale yellow as it rises, then finally to a bright white orb.
When are all of the Full Moons in 2021?
Here is a list of the Full Moons and their names in the new year:
- Wolf Moon - January 28
- Snow Moon - February 27
- Worm Moon - March 28
- Pink Moon - April 27
- Flower Moon - May 26
- Strawberry Moon - June 24
- Buck Moon - July 31
- Sturgeon Moon - August 30
- Harvest Moon - September 29
- Hunter's Moon - October 28
- Beaver Moon - November 27
- Cold Moon - December 27
Happy Moon gazing!
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