Your last chance to see the supermoon in 2025 is fast approaching. The full moon is scheduled to occur this week on Thursday, December 4. And even if you don’t plan to go out and see it, you probably will — it will be the brightest thing in the night sky.
The final supermoon of 2025
December’s Cold Moon is the third of four supermoons in a row and the last one in 2025. Supermoons come in four packs because of how the moon orbits the Earth. The orbit is elliptical, meaning the Moon is closer in some months and further away in others. When it is closest to Earth, it is called perigee, and full moons during perigee are considered supermoons.
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As it is closer, the moon will be slightly larger and brighter in the night sky. According to NASA, a supermoon is 14% larger and 33% brighter than a micromoon, which occurs during a full moon when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth, an event known as apogee. So, the best time to see the full moon is outside of special occasions such as a blood moon or lunar eclipse.
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When is the full moon in December?
Farmer’s Almanac reports that the December full moon will occur on the evening of December 4. It will reach maximum brightness at 6:14 pm ET. Thanks to the recent daylight saving time change, it should be dark enough to see in most of the US, but if not, it will be full all night. Those unable to see it due to weather will see more than 90% of the full moon from December 2-6.
You won’t need any special equipment to see the moon, as it will be the brightest thing in the night sky by a wide margin. Those who want to see more detail can certainly use a telescope or binoculars if they prefer, which will make it easier to see the various craters and textures on the moon.
The December full moon is often referred to as the Cold Moon, as it usually occurs when the weather starts to get quite cold. The moon is getting its name this time, as a polar vortex will hit the US around Thanksgiving and stick around for a while afterward. polar vortex will lower the temperature This week covers many parts of the US, so if you’re out and about, be sure to check it out.