On the night of December 4, 2025, skywatchers across the Northern Hemisphere were treated to a dazzling celestial event: the last supermoon of the year, commonly known as the Cold Moon. As the full moon rose in the east at sunset, it illuminated the late autumn sky with a brilliance that captivated astronomers, casual stargazers, and cultural enthusiasts alike. According to NASA, this full moon reached its peak illumination at 6:14 p.m. EST, marking not only the final supermoon of 2025 but also the third in a rare consecutive sequence, with the next one set to occur in January 2026.
The term "supermoon" refers to a full moon that coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, a point known as perigee. NASA explains that during perigee, the moon is about 226,000 miles from Earth, which allows it to appear up to 14% larger and 30–33% brighter than a typical full moon observed at its furthest point, called apogee. While the difference may be subtle to some, others find the sight nothing short of breathtaking. As reported by Space.com and confirmed by CNN, the December 4 event was the grand finale of the supermoon series for 2025, making it a highly anticipated spectacle for both amateur and professional astronomers.
The Cold Moon, as this December full moon is traditionally called, gets its name from the frigid season in which it appears. The Farmer's Almanac notes that such lunar nicknames stem from "centuries of Native American, colonial, and European traditions." In particular, the Mohawk people referred to it as the Long Night Moon, reflecting the extended periods the moon remains above the horizon during the longest nights of the year, near the winter solstice. The Old Farmer's Almanac further attributes the name's origins to the Mohawk, highlighting how the moon's timing with the onset of deep winter chills resonates with Indigenous and local communities.
For those eager to witness the event, all that was needed was a clear view of the sky. No special equipment was required, as the supermoon outshone everything else in the night. However, telescopes or binoculars could enhance the viewing experience, revealing the intricate details of craters and textures on the lunar surface. According to CNET, even if weather conditions weren't ideal on December 4, the moon remained more than 90% full from December 2 to December 6, offering multiple opportunities to catch a glimpse.
Yet, not everyone was so lucky. In regions like Michigan, wintry weather and thick clouds obscured the view for many. As reported by local outlets and the Old Farmer's Almanac, areas in the south and east of the state had better chances of seeing the supermoon, while northern cities like Sault Ste. Marie and Marquette faced snow and cloudy skies throughout the night. The unpredictable December weather—exacerbated by a lingering polar vortex—reminded many to bundle up if they ventured outdoors for moon-gazing.
What makes a supermoon so special, beyond its size and brightness? According to NASA, supermoons occur only three to four times a year, making each one a relatively rare event. The December Cold Moon was the third of four consecutive supermoons in 2025, a sequence made possible by the moon's elliptical orbit. This pattern, as explained by CNET, means that the full moon is sometimes closer to Earth (perigee) and sometimes farther away (apogee), with the closer full moons earning the supermoon designation.
Adding to the visual drama is the so-called "moon illusion," a phenomenon where the full moon appears even larger when it is near the horizon at moonrise or moonset. As Time and Date describes, this illusion is well-documented but still not fully understood by scientists. NASA admits, "Despite the fact that people have been observing this illusion for thousands of years, we still don't have a rock-solid scientific explanation for it." Whether it's a trick of the mind or a quirk of human perception, the effect only adds to the allure of the supermoon.
The scientific excitement was matched, if not surpassed, by the cultural and astrological significance attached to the Cold Supermoon. According to Vogue and ABC News, the full moon is often seen as a time of culmination, reflection, and emotional release. When amplified by supermoon status, these energies are believed to intensify, urging people to confront unresolved issues and set intentions for the coming year. The December 4 supermoon, occurring in a mutable sign like Gemini, was said to trigger emotional shifts and sharpen the focus on communication and closure.
Astrologers and wellness advocates seized the moment, suggesting rituals to harness the supermoon's power. Recommendations included reflective journaling, writing down and releasing fears, setting intentions for 2026 in the present tense, meditating in the moonlight, and evaluating personal and professional relationships. These practices, simple yet meaningful, encouraged individuals to use the lunar event as a catalyst for personal growth and emotional clarity.
Local communities, especially in places like Miami, embraced the Cold Supermoon as an opportunity for celebration and connection. Rooftop bars and beachside venues hosted viewing parties, blending the city's vibrant nightlife with a touch of cosmic wonder. The event also influenced local fashion, with lunar-inspired colors—shimmering silver, deep indigo, and cosmic blue—dominating party attire and social media feeds. As CNN and ABC News reported, the supermoon became more than just an astronomical event; it was a cultural moment, inspiring art, conversation, and a sense of shared experience.
The Cold Supermoon also had tangible effects on the environment. The moon's proximity to Earth intensified its gravitational pull, leading to higher-than-usual tides along coastal regions like South Florida. According to Space.com, these "super tides" are a well-known phenomenon during supermoons and are closely monitored by local authorities to manage any potential impact on waterfront communities.
For those already looking ahead, NASA and the Old Farmer's Almanac have confirmed that the next supermoon, known as the Wolf Moon, will peak on January 3, 2026. But for now, the memory of December's Cold Moon lingers—a brilliant, chilly beacon in the night sky, urging reflection and renewal as the year draws to a close.
As the Cold Supermoon fades, it leaves behind not just photographs and stories, but a sense of wonder and a gentle nudge to look upward, reflect inward, and prepare for the possibilities of a new year.
