What to know about the return of the moon phenomenon that has not happened since 2006

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – A celestial event not seen since 2006 is set to dazzle skywatchers as the Great Lunar Solstice begins, marking the farthest end of the moon’s orbit around Earth. This rare event, known as a lunistic, occurs every 18.6 years and will be observable throughout 2024 and most of 2025.

Griffith Observatory explained that during a major lunar phase the moon reaches its northernmost and southernmost positions on the horizon. “During an 18.6-year cycle, the greatest north and south positions of the moon extend beyond that of the sun,” the observatory said. “And just as the sun dwells at its limits at each solstice, once the moon reaches these extremes, its limits do not seem to change.”

Unlike an eclipse, this phenomenon can be observed from anywhere on Earth. The full moon is the most spectacular time to witness the event.

The upcoming full moon on December 15, known as the cold moon, will rise and set at its most extreme northern points on the horizon. According to NASA, the cold moon, also referred to as the long night moon, occurs closest to the winter solstice, which is the longest night of the year.

The Moon’s orbit is tilted 5.1 degrees relative to the ecliptic, so it can rise and set within a 57-degree range in any given month.

Historic sites such as Stonehenge, Callanish and Newgrange appear to align with moonrise and moonset points during a major lunar standstill, indicating the celestial event’s past significance.

The second most northerly moonrise and moonset after this weekend is not until December 2043.