The popular nickname “cold moon ” originated from native American tribes, in this case the Mohawks, which gave a name to each full moon throughout the year to help track the seasons. The cold in the December nickname refers to the dropping temperatures that start taking hold as the winter season starts.

This month's full moon will also feature a lunar rarity: According to TimeandDate.com, the full moon on Dec. 15, 2024, will rise and set at its most extreme northerly points on the horizon — the result of a once-every-18.6 year cycle.

The December full moon will rise after the bright Geminid meteor shower this week. Here's the best time to watch ahead of winter solstice.

December 2024 is full of celestial significance. In addition to the full moon - called the Cold Moon - it has the winter solstice and a black moon.

When is the full moon in December 2024? Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning. The Cold Moon, December's full moon, will reach peak illuminat

While a black moon has been used to describe the third new moon in a season of four new moons and occasions when there are no new moons in a month, the most popular definition is the second new moon appearing in one month. This occurs once every 29 months, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

November's full moon, the Beaver Moon, reached its peak on Nov. 15 at 4:29 p.m. December's full moon, the Cold Moon, will be full on Dec. 15 at 4:02 a.m. More: After Helene, Buncombe County unemployment rate more than triples, now highest in NC

As frosty temperatures fall over Central Indiana, the aptly named "Cold Moon" shines ahead of the winter solstice. Here's when to see it.

This week's December cold moon will rise amid the longest nights of the year as the winter solstice nears. Here's when to watch last full moon of 2024