As the year draws to a close, skywatchers across the Northern Hemisphere are preparing for a breathtaking celestial moment. The last full supermoon of 2025 – known as the Cold Moon – will brighten the late-autumn sky on Thursday, 4 December. This event marks the final chance this year to witness a supermoon, making it one of the most anticipated astronomical highlights of the season.
When to Watch the Cold Moon Supermoon
According to the U.S. Naval Observatory’s Astronomical Applications Department, the Cold Moon will be visible:
From sunset, as it begins rising in the eastern sky
At its brightest and highest around midnight
The full moon peak occurs at 6:14 p.m. EST
This means observers should have a clear view of the golden moon lifting above the horizon early in the evening, followed by its bright glow across the night sky.
For more viewing details and moon phase insights, NASA’s Daily Moon Guide offers real-time updates.
What Exactly Is a Supermoon?
NASA explains that a supermoon occurs when:
A full moon coincides with
The Moon’s closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee
Key facts:
At perigee, the Moon is roughly 226,000 miles from Earth
It appears larger and brighter than a typical full moon
Supermoons occur only three to four times each year
Although the term supermoon is not an official scientific classification, NASA notes it generally refers to a full moon that comes within 90% of perigee, making it appear more striking to the naked eye.
Why Is It Called the Cold Moon?
The name Cold Moon is rooted in centuries-old naming traditions drawn from Native American, colonial, and European cultures, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.
The December full moon reflects the arrival of colder weather and longer nights. It is also known by other traditional names, including:
Long Night Moon (Mohican) – because it rises during the year’s longest nights
A reference to the winter solstice season, when the Moon remains visible for extended hours
These names highlight how ancient communities tracked seasonal changes through lunar cycles.
Is Another Supermoon Coming Soon?
Although this is the final supermoon of 2025, the celestial series is not fully over. NASA confirms that:
This Cold Moon is the third in a sequence of three consecutive supermoons
A fourth supermoon in the same series will appear in January 2026
This means stargazers won’t have to wait long for their next lunar treat.
Sources
NASA – Moon and Supermoon Definitions
U.S. Naval Observatory – Astronomical Applications Department
NASA Daily Moon Guide
Farmer’s Almanac – Traditional Moon Names
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