The last supermoon of 2025 made its much-anticipated appearance in the early hours of December 5, captivating skygazers
around the world with its striking presence.
Known as the Cold Moon, this full moon rose brilliantly, standing out as the second-biggest and second-brightest of the
year. Across India and other regions, the spectacle drew crowds eager to witness the celestial event firsthand,
providing an ideal subject for photographers and astronomy enthusiasts alike.
Astronomers reported that the supermoon was 100 per cent illuminated at 4:44 am, reaching its full phase at a time when
the Moon was closest to Earth in its orbit. This alignment caused the Moon to appear distinctly larger and brighter.
Viewers noted the impressive size just after moonrise, when the so-called Moon illusion made the satellite seem even
more prominent on the horizon.
The phenomenon of a supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides closely with perigee, the point in its elliptical orbit
when it is nearest to Earth. The Moon is about 357,218 km from our planet, roughly 10 to 14 per cent closer than
average. It appears up to 14 per cent larger in diameter and 30 per cent brighter than the faintest Moon of the year,
Such an event is technically described by experts as "perigee syzygy". This scientific term underpins the popular
fascination with supermoons and their visual impact.
December's Cold Moon is steeped in tradition, with its name reflecting the long, chilly nights of the northern winter.
It is also referred to as the Long Nights Moon or the Moon Before Yule in folklore. This final supermoon of the year
came after a rare sequence of three consecutive supermoons marking October, November, and December, making 2025
particularly memorable for lunar events.
Stargazers highlighted that the supermoon’s increased brightness and size were especially noticeable just after sunset,
when the Moon climbed over the eastern horizon. At this time, the visual effect was enhanced, and clear skies allowed
for optimal viewing in many parts of India and beyond. Weather permitting, the event was visible to millions, with the
best views in areas free from light pollution.
The December supermoon also exerted a noticeable influence on Earth’s tides. As the Moon drew closer, it caused
higher-than-normal tides, a phenomenon observed during each supermoon event. The timing of this supermoon, ahead of the
Geminids meteor shower, meant that the night sky remained exceptionally dark afterwards, providing further opportunities
The term "supermoon" is not an official astronomical designation, but it has become widely used to describe any full or
new Moon that comes within 90 per cent of its closest approach to Earth. This year’s final supermoon marked the end of
2025’s run of remarkable lunar displays, leaving many looking skyward in anticipation of the next striking cosmic event.