Get ready, stargazers! The final supermoon of 2025, known as the Cold Moon, is on its way, promising a spectacular celestial show. This isn't just any full moon; it's a supermoon, meaning it will appear larger and brighter than usual. Mark your calendars for December 4th, exactly one week after Thanksgiving, because you won't want to miss this dazzling display.
This supermoon is the last in a series of four, a common occurrence due to the moon's elliptical orbit around Earth. This means the moon's distance from Earth varies, with the closest point known as perigee. When a full moon coincides with perigee, we get a supermoon!
But here's where it gets exciting: The Cold Moon will be the third of four consecutive supermoons. This is because of how the moon orbits our planet. The orbit isn't a perfect circle; it's elliptical, meaning the distance between the moon and Earth changes throughout the month.
During perigee, the moon is at its closest point to Earth. Full moons that occur during perigee are what we call supermoons. Because it's closer, the moon appears significantly larger and brighter. According to NASA, a supermoon can be up to 14% larger and 33% brighter than a micro moon, which occurs when the moon is farthest from Earth (apogee).
The Farmer's Almanac indicates that the December full moon will reach peak illumination on the evening of December 4th, at 6:14 p.m. ET. Thanks to the recent daylight saving time change, it should be dark enough to see for most of the US. Even if the weather isn't ideal, you can still enjoy a moon that's more than 90% full from December 2nd to 6th.
You won't need any special equipment to enjoy the show. The supermoon will be the brightest object in the night sky. However, if you want to get a closer look, a telescope or binoculars will reveal the moon's intricate details, like its craters and textures.
And this is the part most people miss... The December full moon is often called the Cold Moon because it appears when the weather starts to get chilly. This year, the name is especially fitting. A polar vortex is expected to bring below-average temperatures across the US around Thanksgiving and into the first week of December.
Controversy & Comment Hooks: What do you think about the name "Cold Moon"? Does it accurately reflect the experience of seeing this supermoon? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Are you planning to observe the Cold Moon? What are your favorite ways to enjoy a full moon?
