The Cold Moon of December with a Mercurial Eclipse

Summary

Erika Burkhalter captures the "Cold Moon" with Mercury in a rare astrophotography event, reflecting on the moon's cultural significance and inviting readers to appreciate nature's beauty through her work.

Abstract

Photographer and writer Erika Burkhalter shares her experience of photographing December's "Cold Moon," a celestial event where Mercury appears close to the moon, potentially leading to a "Mercurial Eclipse." Her article, which includes a captivating image of the phenomenon, delves into the various cultural names given to the December full moon by different indigenous tribes. Burkhalter, based in Southern California, contemplates the coldness of the season and the historical experience of past generations, drawing a connection between her current environment and the colder regions her mother lives in. She also provides links to her other works and encourages readers to support her and other writers on Medium by subscribing. Additionally, Burkhalter offers the opportunity for readers to purchase her photographs, including a limited edition of bird prints.

Opinions

Burkhalter appreciates the fitting nature of the "Cold Moon" moniker, reflecting on the chill of December.
She expresses a personal connection to the event, thinking of her mother in Minnesota and people of the past.
The author values the cultural significance of the full moon, listing names given by various indigenous tribes.
Burkhalter is excited about the astronomical event of Mercury's proximity to the moon, likening it to a photobomb.
She shows a passion for sharing her experiences with nature, aiming to spread love and amazement for the Earth's glories.
Burkhalter is enthusiastic about her current project of bird prints on metallic paper and invites interest in her photography.
She encourages readers to support the writing community on Medium through subscriptions, highlighting the importance of sustaining the arts.

And the full moon shines tonight…

I’ve just come in from my back balcony, where I’ve been photographing December’s “Cold Moon.” Is seems a fitting a fitting name, the “Cold Moon.”

Although I live in the quite temperature climate of Southern California, I have put on a fleece-lined jacket for my evening photography session. I think about my mother in Minnesota and then about the people of past times, and what this month felt like to them.

Other names for December’s Moon include: Drift Clearing Moon (Cree), Frost Exploding Trees Moon (Cree), Moon of the Popping Trees (Oglala), Hoar Frost Moon (Cree), Snow Moon (Haida, Cherokee), and Winter Maker Moon (Western Abenaki).

If you look closely, you can see Mercury in the lower left corner of the photo. The moon is about to eclipse the planet — a “Mercurial Eclipse.”

I’m zipping up my jacket a little tighter and heading back out. I wonder if I’ll be able to spot Mercury emerging from the other side of the moon?

Erika Burkhalter is a yogi, neurophilosopher, cat-mom, photographer, and lover of travel and nature, spreading her love and amazement for Mother Earth’s glories, one photo, poem or story at a time. (MS Neuropsychology, MA Yoga Studies).

Photography, Astrophotography, Full Moon

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