
The celestial event that many were waiting for has finally arrived – the “Cold Moon” has risen in the skies to bid farewell to 2024. This extraordinary occasion, which takes place only once every 18 years, has left moon-gazers mesmerized by its breathtaking beauty.
On the evening of December 15th, sky enthusiasts gathered worldwide to witness this rare celestial phenomenon, dubbed the Cold Moon due to the harsh temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere during this time. The lunar spectacle has been a hot topic of discussion among astronomers and space enthusiasts alike, with many flocking to the eastern United States to capture the moment.
As night falls on December 15th, the Cold Moon rose majestically over the Adolfo Suarez Madrid Barajas Airport, casting an orangey glow that gradually transitioned into a silvery light as it climbed higher in the sky. This extraordinary sighting was accompanied by the bright stars Capella in Auriga and Betelgeuse in Orion.
Meanwhile, in the United States, residents of San Francisco Bay were treated to a stunning view of the Cold Moon over the San Mateo Bridge in Foster City, California. The moon’s northernmost position has been touted as an extraordinary event that won’t be repeated until 2043.
As many gazed up at this celestial wonder, they may have noticed a peculiar similarity between the moon and the stars. According to experts, this alignment is attributed to the unique lunar cycle. With this alignment, it provided a rare sighting of the Cold Moon alongside Jupiter.
Some observers were able to capture the event from unusual vantage points, including a view taken from the historic center of San Salvador in El Salvador. The image, which has been widely shared online, showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Cold Moon, aptly named for its association with the cold temperatures of December.
This event marks the conclusion of the current lunar standstill, also referred to as the “lunarsitic” and will be followed by a southernmost moonrise in June 2024.
Source: www.forbes.com