‘Cold Full Moon’ 2025: All you need to know about the last supermoon of the year

Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic

As December settles in and winter begins to take hold, the night sky gears up for one of its most anticipated sights of the year - the Cold Supermoon. Falling on December 4, this striking lunar event is not only December's traditional full moon but also the final supermoon of 2025, rounding off a trio that began in October and continued through November.

The term supermoon refers to a full moon that occurs when the Moon reaches or comes very close to perigee, the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit. This reduced distance makes the Moon appear slightly larger and significantly brighter - up to 30 pct more luminous than a typical full moon. Although the difference may not always be dramatic to the naked eye, the enhanced glow often creates a noticeable visual impact, especially under clear winter skies.

December's full moon has long been called the Cold Moon, a name rooted in traditional lunar calendars used by Indigenous communities and early farmers. It marks the arrival of winter's chill, longer nights and a shift toward colder, quieter days. When this seasonal full moon coincides with perigee, the result is the Cold Supermoon - a natural spectacle that blends cultural symbolism with astronomical brilliance.

Tonight's Cold Supermoon is expected to shine with a crisp, silvery radiance. At perigee, the Moon will sit roughly 221,965 miles from Earth, making it appear subtly but noticeably larger than usual. Even if the precise peak illumination time hasn't been specified, skywatchers across India can catch the full display simply by stepping outdoors after sunset on December 4.

In cities such as Mumbai, the Moon will rise over the eastern horizon in the early evening, offering a clear view as long as clouds stay away. It is recommended to choose locations with minimal light pollution - rooftops, terraces, beaches, open grounds or any unobstructed space where the horizon is visible. Winter months often bring cleaner, drier air, creating ideal conditions for moon gazing.

Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys looking up at the night sky, the Cold Supermoon offers a moment of quiet wonder. As the last supermoon of 2025, it is a fitting finale to the year's lunar highlights - brilliant, serene and unmistakably enchanting.