The Last Supermoon of 2025 Will Rise This Week: A Complete Guide

The night sky is preparing for one of the most anticipated events of the year. The last supermoon of 2025 will rise this week, and people across the world will get a chance to see the December Cold Moon at its brightest. Whether you enjoy astronomy, photography, or simply like watching natural events, this supermoon offers a perfect moment to step outside and look up.

A supermoon is not rare, but the December one holds a special place because it marks the final full moon of the year and also comes at the Moon’s closest point to Earth. This combination makes it appear larger and brighter than usual. In this article, you’ll learn what makes this event unique, the science behind it, how to view it, and everything else you need to enjoy it fully.

Let’s explore the December 2025 Cold Moon in detail.

When the December 2025 Cold Moon Reaches Peak Brightness

The Cold Moon will hit its peak brightness on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6:15 PM IST. For those in North America, the peak will occur at 8:20 AM EST.

Even though this is the exact moment of full illumination, the Moon will look nearly full on December 3 and will continue to appear round and bright on December 5. This is because the Moon appears full for almost 72 hours to the human eye.

The timing is determined using astronomical calculations from lunar phase data collected by various observatories and cross-verified by NASA’s moon phase charts.

Why This Full Moon Is Called the Cold Moon

The name “Cold Moon” comes from seasonal changes in the Northern Hemisphere. December marks the time when the weather becomes colder, nights grow longer, and winter begins to settle in. Older agricultural societies gave names to each full moon based on seasonal patterns. Over centuries, these names became part of cultural tradition.

Other historical names for the December full moon include:

• Long Nights Moon — because nights are at their longest during this period
• Moon Before Yule — linked to ancient winter celebrations in Europe

These names have nothing to do with science or astronomy. They are cultural markers that describe the time of year when the Moon appears.

Why the December Cold Moon Is Also a Supermoon

A supermoon occurs when:

1. The Moon is full, and
2. It is also at perigee, the point in its orbit where it is closest to Earth.

Because the Moon’s orbit is oval, its distance from Earth constantly changes.

• Average distance from Earth: ~384,400 km
• Distance at perigee: ~356,500 km
• Distance at apogee: ~406,700 km

When a full moon occurs near perigee, it looks:

• Up to 14% larger
• Around 30% brighter

This data comes from NASA’s lunar observations and measurements collected over many decades.

The December 2025 Cold Moon reaches full illumination close to perigee, making it a supermoon.

How Many Supermoons Occurred in 2025

There were three supermoons in the year 2025:

1. September
2. October
3. December (Cold Moon)

This makes the December Cold Moon the third and final supermoon of the year.

Supermoons usually occur three to four times a year, depending on how the lunar cycle aligns with perigee.

Best Places to See the December Cold Moon

To enjoy the December supermoon, you don’t need equipment. What you do need is:

• A clear sky
• An open view of the horizon
• Minimal artificial light

Some of the best viewing locations include:

• Rooftops
• Terraces
• Open fields
• Beaches
• Hills or elevated areas
• Places away from tall buildings and city lights

The December supermoon tends to look brighter because winter skies are often clearer and drier, which improves visibility.

If you want the most dramatic view, choose a location with an unobstructed eastern horizon. This is the direction where the Moon rises.

Best Time of the Evening to Look at the Cold Moon

For the most striking view, watch the sky just after sunset on December 4.

When the Moon appears near the horizon, it looks much larger due to a well-known psychological effect called the Moon illusion. Your brain compares the Moon to nearby objects like buildings or trees, making it appear unusually large.

As the Moon rises higher in the sky, the illusion fades, and the Moon appears smaller even though its actual size never changes.

The ideal viewing window:

• First 30–60 minutes after moonrise

This is when the supermoon creates its most impressive visual impact.

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Do You Need Equipment to Watch the Supermoon?

The simple answer is: No.

The supermoon is fully visible to the naked eye. You do not need a telescope or binoculars. However, using equipment can enhance the experience.

What binoculars can show:

• Large craters
• Surface shadows
• Detailed textures

What a telescope can show:

• Sharp crater edges
• Mare (dark plains)
• More defined surface patterns

What a smartphone can capture:

Modern smartphones with night mode or long-exposure features can take impressive moon photos. A tripod helps prevent shaking.

Still, equipment is optional. The supermoon is best enjoyed with your own eyes.

Will the Cold Moon Look the Same Everywhere?

The December Cold Moon will be visible around the world, but its position in the sky will differ.

In the Northern Hemisphere:

• The Moon will appear higher in the sky
• Nights are longer, which means more viewing time

In the Southern Hemisphere:

• The Moon will appear lower
• The brightness remains the same

The difference is due to Earth’s tilt during December, which affects how high the Moon rises in the sky.

No matter where you are, the supermoon effect—its increased size and brightness—remains consistent.

The Cultural and Historical Meaning Behind the Cold Moon

The December full moon has been part of cultural traditions for centuries.

In Native American traditions:

The Cold Moon signaled the start of harsh winter conditions. It was a time when families stored food, repaired homes, and prepared for long nights.

In European traditions:

The December Moon was closely linked to Yule, a winter festival celebrating the return of longer days.

Today:

People often associate the Cold Moon with:

• Reflection on the past year
• Setting intentions for the next year
• Letting go of unfinished matters
• Spending time in calm and rest

The timing of the Cold Moon near the end of the year gives it emotional significance for many people, even outside astronomy.

When the Next Supermoon Will Occur After 2025

If you miss the December 2025 supermoon, the next one will appear in 2026. Supermoons follow astronomical patterns that repeat every year, though not in the same months.

This is why the December 2025 Cold Moon is a unique event — it is the final supermoon of the year and the last one before the cycle resets.

Why the December 2025 Supermoon Matters

There are many reasons why this event stands out:

1. It closes the lunar year

The last full moon of the year often carries symbolic meaning.

2. It aligns with perigee

This creates the supermoon effect: increased size and brightness.

3. Better visibility in winter

Cold, dry air improves sky clarity.

4. Easy to observe

You don’t need skills or equipment.

5. Ideal for moon photography

The horizon-rise moment is especially photogenic.

6. Global visibility

Most regions of the world will be able to see it.

Scientific Effects During the Supermoon

There are a few measurable changes when the Moon is at perigee.

Stronger Tides

This is the only scientifically significant effect.
During a supermoon, gravitational pull increases slightly, causing:

• Higher high tides
• Lower low tides

These are called perigean spring tides.

Increased brightness

The Moon’s surface reflects more sunlight due to its closer distance.

No proven link to earthquakes

Multiple studies show no connection between supermoons and tectonic activity.

No major impact on human behavior

Sleep patterns may shift slightly due to brightness, but the gravitational effect on humans is too weak to cause changes.

How to Photograph the December Supermoon

Here are simple tips anyone can follow:

• Shoot during moonrise for size effect
• Add foreground objects like trees or buildings
• Use night mode on smartphones
• Hold your phone steady or use a tripod
• Avoid over-zooming, which reduces clarity
• Use manual exposure to prevent glare

Even basic photography skills can produce great results during a supermoon.

Final Thoughts: A Moment Worth Watching

The last supermoon of 2025 is more than just an astronomical event. It is a moment that connects science, tradition, and human experience. Whether you watch it alone, with friends, or with family, the December Cold Moon offers a simple way to step away from screens and reconnect with the natural world.

It will rise in the eastern sky just after sunset on December 4.
It will glow at its brightest at 6:15 PM IST.
It will appear full for three days.

For study related to perigee you can also see this post