December's Cold Moon—the last full moon of the year—will appear in the sky overnight and coincide with a rare lunar event in which observers can see it rise and set at its most extreme points on the horizon.

December’s rare cold moon, which only occurs once every nineteen years, will be visible to sky gazers tonight. The final full moon of the year will move across the skies tonight, but with a very infrequent twist.

Everything you need to know about the full “Cold Moon” including exactly when, where and how to see it at its best from where you are.

The Cold Moon on December 15, 2024, will coincide with a rare major lunar standstill, offering extended visibility. This event, occurring every 18.6 years, aligns with the Geminid meteor shower, though the moon's brightness may diminish meteor visibility.

The grave tells the story of an ancient warrior lost to time.

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.

Skywatchers looking for the last full moon of 2024 can look to the sky this weekend for a glimpse of the "cold moon."