Khaberni - Astronomy enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting the appearance of the last supermoon in 2025, known as the Cold Moon, on December 4, to offer a majestic scene that wraps up the year.
This moon is the last full moon of the year, and it derives its traditional name from the historical association with the beginning of long, cold nights in winter.
It is expected to appear brighter and larger, especially in the first moments after sunrise, due to the "moon illusion" phenomenon that makes the moon appear larger at the horizon, according to lionews.
Why is the Cold Moon classified as a “supermoon”?
Although the term "supermoon" is not an official astronomical classification, it is commonly used to describe the full moon that is at least 90% close to the perigee (the closest point to Earth in its orbit).
At this position, the moon appears about 14% bigger and brighter compared to when it is at its furthest point from the Earth.
This proximity also enhances the effect of lunar gravity, leading to stronger than usual tidal forces. Although the differences are not drastic, they are notable to specialists and add a scientific dimension to the phenomenon.
Amateurs can observe clearer details on the moon's surface using simple binoculars, while the view remains astonishing to the naked eye without the need for any advanced equipment.
Date and observation locations
The moon will reach its peak brightness at 6:14 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on December 4, but the best viewing moments might be just after sunrise.
-New York: Moonrise at 3:54 PM EST.
-Los Angeles: Moonrise at 4:22 PM PST.
Around the world, the first few minutes after it appears over the horizon are the most thrilling moments for viewing, when the lunar disk appears at its biggest due to this optical phenomenon.
It should be noted that the Cold Moon will be the highest full moon in the sky of the Northern Hemisphere in 2025, and it is the twelfth and last full moon of the year, as the solar year has about 365.24 days, compared to 354.37 days in the lunar year, sometimes leading to 13 full moons appearing in one year, which last occurred in 2023 and will recur in 2028.
