As the end of the year approaches, people in India will have the opportunity to witness the captivating phenomenon of the last full moon of 2023, referred to as the Cold Moon.
The Cold Moon, a name originating from both Native American and European customs, accurately portrays the icy atmosphere of December as winter’s hold strengthens.
Throughout this celestial occurrence, the Moon will be visible to an extent of 99.5 per cent.
WHEN TO WATCH COLD MOON?
The Cold Moon is anticipated to take place on December 27, and it will be visible in the sky at 6:03 am IST, providing a captivating sight for those who wake up early. To have the best viewing experience of the Cold Moon in India, it is recommended to find locations with minimal light pollution and a clear eastern horizon. The moon will appear completely full to the naked eye starting from the night of December 26 and will continue to radiate its brightness until the evening of December 27.
The moon’s fullness is most pronounced in the early morning hours, but it will remain a magnificent spectacle throughout the entire night.
RISE ABOVE AND SHINE BRIGHT
This year’s Cold Moon holds a special significance as it ascends higher in the nocturnal sky than any other full moon of the year, offering abundant opportunities for observation.
Being the longest night moon, it closely aligns with the winter solstice, allowing for prolonged periods of observation during the lengthy, frigid nights.
Enthusiasts can anticipate the moon’s presence amidst the backdrop of the season’s most radiant constellations. While the moon’s luminosity may overshadow fainter stars, prominent ones like Betelgeuse in Orion and Capella in Auriga should still be discernible.
As we bid farewell to 2023 beneath the radiant glow of the Cold Moon, this natural phenomenon has played a vital role in tracking the passage of months and seasons since ancient times.