Saturday night’s Full Moon features extreme ‘off kilter’ passage across the sky

Toronto: This weekend, the Full Cold Moon is lighting up the night sky. It’s not just any full moon; it’s got a quirky path that makes it look a bit ‘off kilter’ as it moves across the sky on Saturday night.

So, what’s the deal with the Full Cold Moon? Well, it’s the name given to December’s full moon, and it’s part of a tradition that goes way back. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says the name comes from Native American and European folklore, reflecting the chilly weather we experience this time of year.

There are other cool names for this moon too, like the Frost Exploding Trees Moon and the Snow Moon. Each name tells a story about the season and the changes in nature.

Now, every month, the moon goes through its phases, from new to full and back again. But what’s really interesting is how the moon’s position changes in the sky. It doesn’t just rise and set in the same spot every time. This weekend, we’ll see the moon rise at its highest point since 2006, which is pretty special.

This phenomenon is called lunistice, and it happens because the moon’s orbit is tilted. Just like the sun reaches its highest and lowest points during the solstices, the moon does the same each month. This weekend’s full moon will set at its farthest northern point, making it a sight you won’t want to miss.

After this, we won’t see another extreme full moon like this until 2043, so it’s definitely worth taking a moment to look up and enjoy the view!