The last Cold Moon supermoon of 2025 will rise this Thursday, offering skywatchers one more bright, oversized full moon before the year closes. It’s the third supermoon in a row and the final one until 2026, making this week the best and last chance to catch the moon at its biggest and brightest.
Below is everything you need to know: what makes it a Cold Moon, why it qualifies as a supermoon, and how to get the best view Thursday night.
What Is December’s Cold Moon?
December’s full moon has long been called the Cold Moon, a name tied to the arrival of bitter winter weather across much of the Northern Hemisphere. The Old Farmer’s Almanac traces the term to traditional seasonal markers used by early communities. Several Native American tribes also described this moon with similar imagery; the Mohicans, for instance, used the name “long night moon,” highlighting December’s extended periods of darkness.
If you’re creating spot art for the article, this section pairs well with an infographic showing different traditional names for full moons throughout the year.
What Makes This Full Moon a Supermoon?
A moon becomes a supermoon when it reaches perigee, the closest point to Earth in its orbit. At that distance, the moon can appear up to 14% larger and roughly 30% brighter than the faintest full moon of the year, noticeably plumper to the naked eye.
NASA typically counts three to four supermoons per year. In 2025, October, November, and now December make up the complete set. After Thursday, the next supermoon won’t arrive until sometime in 2026.
When to Watch the Cold Moon Supermoon
The Cold Moon reaches peak illumination on Thursday, December 4, at approximately 6:14–6:15 PM ET. If you miss the exact moment, you still have options: the moon will appear full on both Wednesday and Friday nights. Because full moons rise around sunset, plan to head outside early in the evening.
Where and How to See the Supermoon
You don’t need special equipment to enjoy this supermoon, but a bit of planning can dramatically improve the view.
Ideal Viewing Conditions
Look for locations with:
- Open, flat landscapes (beaches, fields, wide suburban parks).
- A clear line of sight to the horizon to watch moonrise.
- Low light pollution—useful even in cities if you can get to a high point or rooftop.
Even without a telescope, the moon will put on a striking show. But if you do bring optics—binoculars or a basic backyard telescope—you’ll spot craters, highlands, and shadowed ridges with much more clarity.
Why the Moon Looks Bigger Near the Horizon
The “moon illusion” makes the rising full moon appear massive when it sits just above buildings, trees, or distant hills. This is not an optical change in the moon itself—your brain simply interprets it as larger when foreground objects provide a frame of reference. If you want the most dramatic photo, moonrise is the moment to capture.
This would be a great place for a side-by-side visual showing “moon at horizon vs. moon overhead” to explain the illusion.
Why This Supermoon Matters
Supermoons are frequent enough that most people have seen one, but rare enough that each feels like an event. For many, the appeal comes from the mix of astronomy and atmosphere: the science explains why the moon brightens and swells, and the timing—deep into December—adds a layer of seasonal tradition.
This particular supermoon also closes out the year’s trio, marking the end of 2025’s last major skywatching event. It’s a natural moment to look back at the year’s celestial highlights or plan for 2026’s meteor showers, eclipses, and the next supermoon.
An internal link could point readers to our annual astronomy guide or 2026 sky calendar.
TL;DR
- Peak time: Thursday, Dec. 4, around 6:14–6:15 PM ET.
- Why “Cold Moon”? A traditional name tied to December’s frigid weather; the Mohicans called it the “long night moon.”
- Why is it a supermoon? The moon is at perigee, appearing larger and brighter.
- Best place to watch: Anywhere with an open horizon and minimal light pollution.
- Next chance: Supermoons return in 2026.
