Rare Lunar Phenomenon to Occur: Full Moon 'Wobbles' on Sunday

stonehenge - A rare lunar phenomenon is set to occur on Sunday as the full moon will 'wobble' due to a celestial event that happens once every 18.6 years. Find out more about what astronomers are looking for at Stonehenge.

Astronomers are eagerly awaiting a rare celestial event this weekend as the full moon is expected to 'wobble' in the sky, a phenomenon that only happens once every 18.6 years. Experts explain that this phenomenon, known as the 'Great Lunar Standstill', occurs when the Earth and the moon are at their maximum tilt, causing the moon to rise and set at the far ends of its range.

The upcoming full moon, dubbed the 'Cold Moon', will reach its most northern point on the horizon on Sunday, December 15, 2024. This event follows the previous southernmost moonrise and moonset that happened on Friday, June 21, 2024.

It is believed that certain stones at Stonehenge may have been placed to mark these significant lunar events, as well as other ancient monuments like the Carnac Stones in France and the Callanish Stones in Scotland.

Experts are conducting research to understand how these ancient structures may have served as astronomical observatories, tracking the extreme positions of the moon during specific celestial events. Their findings are expected to be completed in 2025.