The last full moon of 2024 It arrives this year in the middle of the month, a few days before the winter solstice that marks the change of season.
The known as “cold moon” will occur along with Geminid star showerone of the most active and anticipated of the year, one more incentive to enjoy the magic of the moon. We tell you what day it will be and everything you need to know to see the last full moon of the year.
When will the full moon be in December 2024
On January 15, around 10:02 in the morning (Spanish peninsular time), the Moon, the Sun and the Earth will align, with the Earth located in between, and will give rise to the December full moon.
Both on the night of Saturday December 14 and Sunday the 15th we will be able to see the Moon practically illuminated completely: on the 14th the Moon will appear over the horizon a little before nightfall and, when midnight arrives, the illumination will already be 99.8%; On the 15th the Moon will rise almost at the same moment that the Sun sets, also completely illuminated, and when midnight arrives it will still have 99.5% illumination.
The winter solstice will take place on December 21specifically at 10:21 Spanish peninsular time. That day, the shortest of the year in the northern hemisphere, marks the transition from autumn to cold winter. As with the summer solstice, the winter solstice also has a lot of symbolism in various cultures.
Full Moon during the Geminids
Between December 4 and 17, the Geminid meteor shower takes place.one of the most anticipated of the year because it is very active (up to 150 meteors per hour) and because the trails are of different colors.
The day of maximum visibility of this meteor shower is the night of the 13th to the 14th.practically coinciding with the full moon on the 15th. This coincidence will mean that this year will not be the best to see shooting stars. The illumination of the full moon will reduce the visibility of meteorsbut even so, if you direct your gaze to dark areas of the sky you will surely be able to observe some. It is always worth looking up at the sky and seeing if you catch any of the spectacular «fireballs» that characterize the Geminids.
This full moon is also a good time to see the planet Jupiter in the night skywhich shines brightly during these December days. To see it, you must direct your gaze towards the Taurus constellation.
Cold moon and other names of the December full moon
As with all full moons of the year, the December one also receives various names related to what happens in nature at the time it occurs. In this case, The last full moon of the year is known as the “Cold Moon.”something linked to the lower temperatures usual at this time of year and the arrival of winter.
On the other hand, its proximity to the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere, has also earned it the name «Long Night Moon».
The Ojibwa, a native people of North America, referred to this moon as the «Moon of the little spirit» and symbolized for them a moment of purification and healing. The January moon was known by the Ojibwa as the «Moon of the Great Spirit», when the process begun with the previous Moon was consolidated and gained strength.
In Celtic tradition, this Moon is called «Oak Moon»while in Chinese culture it is known as the «Winter Moon».
How the full moon in December will influence
December’s full moon will take place under the sign of Gemini and marks the end of a cycle that began on June 6. According to Marga Roldán, an agricultural engineer trained in Evolutionary Astrology, this moon illuminates aspects of our life related to communication, curiosity and our closest relationships.
«Its energy invites us to express our ideas and resolve pending issues with honesty and openness,» says the expert. If you notice that your mind is more active than usual, it may be because this is the perfect time to dedicate yourself to intellectual activities like writing, studying or chatting with people who share your interests.
The light of this December full moon»helps us see clearly what we must leave behind to move more lightly towards new opportunities,» explains Roldán, who encourages us to ask ourselves questions and question our beliefs to free our mind, connect with our inner wisdom and move forward.