Fri Dec 05 13:30:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
Cold Supermoon Thrills Skywatchers as Final Full Moon of 2025 Shines Bright
Skygazers were treated to a stunning celestial display this week with the rise of the Cold Supermoon, the last full moon of 2025. Reaching peak fullness on Thursday, December 4th, at 6:14 PM EST, the Cold Moon will continue to appear bright and full throughout Friday night, December 5th.
This “supermoon,” the second-largest of the year, occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, making it appear approximately 10% larger than average. According to Live Science contributor Jamie Carter, The Cold Moon will climb higher in the night sky than any other full moon of the year.
Historically, December’s full moon has been known by various names, including the Frost Exploding Trees Moon, Moon of the Popping Trees, and the Winter Maker Moon, reflecting the season’s characteristics in different Native American cultures.
If you missed the peak on Thursday, don’t worry! The moon will be visually impressive throughout Friday night, making it a perfect opportunity to try out new binoculars or a small telescope during the holiday season.
But don’t fret, there will be one more supermoon January 3, 2026, the fourth and final supermoon in a row. There will also be 13 full moons in 2026, thanks to a Blue Moon — the second full moon in a calendar month — occurring in May 2026.