Lunar Standstill: the Moon’s shortest shadow and Its highest point in the sky

On December 15, 2024, the Lunar Standstill, an extraordinary astronomical event, took place.

During this phenomenon, the Moon reaches its maximum positive or negative declination in the sky.

On this occasion, the Moon reached a record altitude of 81°, visible at latitudes around 37° N, such as in southeastern Sicily. This phenomenon occurs when the Moon’s declination coincides with or is close to the observer’s latitude, providing unique conditions for astronomical observation by reducing atmospheric distortion and offering ideal conditions to observe our satellite.

During its culmination, not only is the Moon seen at its highest point above the horizon, but the shortest shadow cast by lunar light is also observed. This happens because the Moon traces its maximum arc in the sky, rising and setting at points closest to the north.

Together with gnomonist Giovanni Brinch, we captured this photo to document the event. The image features a special sundial, designed by Brinch himself, which tracks solar hours using lunar shadows. In the photo, the lunar shadow on the dial marks the exact time the image was taken: the lunar culmination on December 14, 2024, at around 11:26 pm, when the Moon reached 81°. The dial bears a palindrome inscription in Italian: O SOLE ORA DARÒ E LO SO .

The surprise of the evening was the appearance of a lunar halo, the highest one I have ever photographed, adding an extraordinary touch to the scene.

These extreme declination conditions will persist for several months, allowing observers to witness Standstill effects until 2026, although few full moons coincide with the Standstill days. The last major Lunar Standstill occurred in 2006, and the next one will take place around 2043.

Finally, it is worth noting that the Moon does not only reach record heights but can also dip to extremely low declinations. This occurs during its maximum lower culmination, when the Moon reaches negative declinations of around -28.6°, appearing very low on the horizon. The most recent lower culmination occurred on June 22, 2024

On the night of June 22nd, the moon traversed the already low arc of the past 18 years and at my latitude reached 24° at its peak. This elevation is lower than the Sun’s when, at the winter solstice, it completes its lowest arc in the sky and reaches 30° at its peak. I thought of capturing this arc so that it would encompass an entire village. I chose the village of Caltabellotta, in western Sicily, perched among imposing rocks, and I managed to frame it within the lunar arc.

Location: Caltabellotta – Sicily . ITA

My position: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6QxHQkTtDepTXAhTA