2025's Final Supermoon: 'Cold Moon' Shines Bright Over US Skies

The year's final supermoon, known as the 'Cold Moon,' lit up the night sky across the United States on December 4, offering a spectacular end to 2025's lunar lineup. The peak illumination occurred around 6:14-6:15 pm EST, making it a treat for skywatchers. For viewers in India, the event unfolded before dawn on Friday, while in the US, the moon dominated the night sky from late December 4 into the early hours of December 5. This 'Cold Moon' was the third and final supermoon of 2025, orbiting approximately 221,965 miles from Earth. As a result, it appeared marginally larger and up to 30% brighter than the year's faintest full moon. The 'Cold Moon' was visible nearly full on Wednesday and Thursday nights and was expected to remain bright into Friday night. Clear weather in many parts of the US enhanced the viewing experience, making it a perfect opportunity for photography. The 'moon illusion' also made the rising moon appear even bigger, a phenomenon striking during supermoons. Typical moonrise times included New York at 4:56 pm EST and Los Angeles at 5:27 pm PST. The US Naval Observatory reported that the moon reached its highest and brightest point around midnight local time in the Northern Hemisphere. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter. The 'Cold Moon' ranked among the highest and most prominent full moons of the season due to its timing near the winter solstice. The name 'Cold Moon' originates from the Mohawk people, who associated it with the onset of harsh winter cold. A full moon occurs roughly every 29 days, and for those who missed this phenomenon, three new supermoons are expected in 2026.