A Rare Astronomical Spectacle Approaches: How and When to Witness the Last Supermoon of 2025
As Earth's satellite prepares to adorn the sky with one of its most breathtaking spectacles, astronomers and stargazers alike are gearing up for a rare event. The last supermoon of 2025 is set to occur on December 4, bringing together three distinct phenomena: it will be the last full moon of the year, dubbed a 'cold supermoon' due to the frigid temperatures typical of this time of year, and its proximity to Earth at perigee – the point where its orbit brings it closest to our planet.
The term supermoon refers to a full moon that occurs when our satellite is at perigee. This happens when the moon's elliptical orbit brings it within 407,000 kilometers of Earth at apogee (the point of maximum distance) and about 380,000 kilometers at perigee, making this particular moon approximately 357,000 kilometers away from us.
This supermoon will not only be the third consecutive one of the year but also the second-closest full moon to date. It's expected to appear up to eight percent larger in the sky than an ordinary full moon and shine with a brightness exceeding that of the usual full moon by 16%. The moon is at its highest point in the sky, being particularly high on December 21 due to the winter solstice.
If you're looking forward to witnessing this spectacle, here are some tips. Firstly, note that the exact timing of the full moon is set for 6:14 pm ET on Thursday, December 4. The optimal moment to view it would be shortly after sunset, as the lunar illusion makes the moon appear larger than usual during a supermoon. Weather permitting, finding an elevated spot or meadow with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon will provide you with the best vantage point for this astronomical display.
While December's full moon is the last of 12 in 2025 and marks the highest of the year, it does not occur exactly on the winter solstice. The first full moon of 2026 will take place just a few days later, on January 3. So, if you're looking to witness one final supermoon spectacle of the year, now is your chance.
As with any weather-dependent event, be sure to check forecasts before heading out and find an optimal spot for viewing this rare astronomical display.
As Earth's satellite prepares to adorn the sky with one of its most breathtaking spectacles, astronomers and stargazers alike are gearing up for a rare event. The last supermoon of 2025 is set to occur on December 4, bringing together three distinct phenomena: it will be the last full moon of the year, dubbed a 'cold supermoon' due to the frigid temperatures typical of this time of year, and its proximity to Earth at perigee – the point where its orbit brings it closest to our planet.
The term supermoon refers to a full moon that occurs when our satellite is at perigee. This happens when the moon's elliptical orbit brings it within 407,000 kilometers of Earth at apogee (the point of maximum distance) and about 380,000 kilometers at perigee, making this particular moon approximately 357,000 kilometers away from us.
This supermoon will not only be the third consecutive one of the year but also the second-closest full moon to date. It's expected to appear up to eight percent larger in the sky than an ordinary full moon and shine with a brightness exceeding that of the usual full moon by 16%. The moon is at its highest point in the sky, being particularly high on December 21 due to the winter solstice.
If you're looking forward to witnessing this spectacle, here are some tips. Firstly, note that the exact timing of the full moon is set for 6:14 pm ET on Thursday, December 4. The optimal moment to view it would be shortly after sunset, as the lunar illusion makes the moon appear larger than usual during a supermoon. Weather permitting, finding an elevated spot or meadow with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon will provide you with the best vantage point for this astronomical display.
While December's full moon is the last of 12 in 2025 and marks the highest of the year, it does not occur exactly on the winter solstice. The first full moon of 2026 will take place just a few days later, on January 3. So, if you're looking to witness one final supermoon spectacle of the year, now is your chance.
As with any weather-dependent event, be sure to check forecasts before heading out and find an optimal spot for viewing this rare astronomical display.
I've been following this one from afar and it's like, whoa... the moon is gonna look SO big and bright in the sky! And can you believe it's gonna be the last of the year? Like, a full moon in December, that's just magic. I'm definitely planning on catching this spectacle at sunset, but I've got to make sure my weather app says it's clear skies. You know, don't wanna get stuck in a crowded spot or anything 
. I mean, it's gonna be epic! The fact that it's not exactly on the winter solstice, though, is kinda bummer... but at least we've got this last hurrah to look forward to 
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anyway so i guess the best view would be after sunset? like if you get there early enough to see it rise? also is it gonna be visible in nyc? i hope people take pics of this thing because it'll look SO cool 
I mean, it's just gonna be a big ol' rock in the sky, right? And don't even get me started on how crowded all the best spots are gonna be... I'll probably just stay home and watch it on my phone 
where it's way more comfortable and less likely to get ruined by a bunch of sweaty strangers. Plus, I'm really not a fan of standing around waiting for some celestial event that's basically just a natural occurrence 
. I mean, 8% larger and brighter? Who cares?! Just a bunch of hype to sell more telescopes and space tourism tickets 
. And what's with all these people scrambling to find "optimal" spots? Can't we just enjoy the moon without making it some kinda competition? 
. I'm planning on getting up early (or staying up late) to catch a glimpse of it and take some sick pics. The moon is gonna look massive and stunning! 
I'm also curious about the whole "cold supermoon" thing, but honestly, who cares when it's just gonna be a beautiful sight? 
Make sure to check those weather forecasts and get a good spot, I wanna see all your supermoon snaps on social media 
Dec 4 cant come soon enough! i've been following those moon updates & im SO stoked its gonna be super duper bright!! 
gotta say, i'm super stoked about this last supermoon of 2025 
️. find yerself an epic spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon 
and get ready for a lunar illusion like no other 
! 
. Make sure to grab your binoculars or camera and get ready for some epic #Astronomy moments! 