As the year 2024 comes to an end, skywatchers around the world are gearing up to witness the last full moon of the year, known as the Cold Moon. This celestial event is particularly special as it symbolises the end of this year’s lunar cycle and is also the longest full moon of 2024.
Date and time of the Cold Moon 2024
According to NASA, the Cold Moon will peak in illumination on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 4:02 am EST. For India, this translates to 2:32 pm IST, but its visibility in Indian skies has not been confirmed yet.
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What makes it special for India?
The Cold Moon in India coincides with Margashirsha Purnima, an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. This full moon marks the end of the Margashirsha month (November–December) and is celebrated with fasting and prayers. Devotees often visit temples, chant holy prayers, and seek blessings on this day.
According to Drik Panchang, the Purnima Tithi begins at 4:58 pm on December 14 and ends at 2:31 pm on December 15. This means Indian viewers might be able to catch the Cold Moon either early in the morning or during the evening hours.
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Why is the Cold Moon special?
The Cold Moon gets its name from the freezing winter nights of December in the Northern Hemisphere. It is also called the Long Nights Moon or the Moon Before Yule in ancient traditions. This full moon is unique because it appears near the winter solstice (December 21), marking the longest night of the year. During this time, the moon follows its highest path in the sky, shining brightly for an extended period.
Significance of the Cold Moon
The Cold Moon is not just a celestial event but also holds cultural and spiritual importance. In many traditions, it symbolises a time for reflection and renewal as the year comes to a close. For Indians, its alignment with Margashirsha Purnima makes it even more significant.
