Get ready for a celestial spectacle! The final supermoon of 2025, known as the Cold Moon, is about to grace our skies. But here’s the kicker: this isn't just any supermoon; it's the culmination of a rare trifecta! Mark your calendars for Thursday, December 4th, because you won't want to miss this luminous event.
Let's break down what makes this Cold Moon so special. As reported by Elizabeth Rizzini, Lead Weather Presenter, it's the third supermoon of 2025. Supermoons aren't exactly unicorns – we usually see three or four each year. But what's truly unusual is having three in a row, creating a stunning lunar showcase. And if you're patient, the first full Moon of 2026, just a month later, will be another supermoon, making it almost four in a row!
So, what exactly is a supermoon? Simply put, it's when a full Moon coincides with the Moon's closest approach to Earth in its orbit, a point called "perigee." Think of it like this: the Moon's orbit isn't a perfect circle; it's slightly elliptical. This means its distance from Earth varies. When a full Moon occurs at or near the closest point in its orbit, it appears noticeably larger and brighter than usual. It’s like the Moon is putting on its best show, just for us!
And this is the part most people miss... A full Moon happens when the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of Earth. Astronomers call this alignment "syzygy" (pronounced siz-uh-jee). The full face of the moon is illuminated because it is directly facing the sun. This alignment maximizes the amount of sunlight reflecting back towards our planet.
Now, when can you catch this celestial wonder? In London, the Cold Moon will rise in the north-eastern sky around 14:52 GMT on December 4th. For those in Edinburgh, look to the skies around 14:29. Belfast residents can spot it around 14:52, and Cardiff will see it rise around 15:05. The good news is, it will remain visible throughout the night, setting between 08:00 and 09:00 the following morning. That gives you plenty of time to enjoy its brilliance! Be sure to check your local sunrise and sunset times for the most accurate viewing window.
As the Cold Moon ascends, keep an eye out for some stellar companions. It will form a striking triangle with the Pleiades star cluster (also known as the Seven Sisters) and the bright star Aldebaran. Jupiter will also make an appearance near the Moon, and you might even spot the iconic winter constellation of Orion the Hunter. It's a veritable feast for the eyes!
But here's where it gets controversial... Will the weather cooperate? According to forecasts, a band of cloud and rain is expected to sweep eastwards across the UK on Thursday. While this may clear in many areas overnight, lingering cloud cover could obscure the view in northern and eastern Scotland, and eastern England. Furthermore, widespread mist and fog could form, potentially reducing visibility in some locations. Let's hope the skies clear for optimal viewing!
It will also be a fairly chilly night, with temperatures dipping close to freezing and a touch of frost in some areas. So, bundle up warm if you plan on spending time stargazing!
Why “Cold Moon,” you ask? The names of full Moons come from ancient traditions, long predating our modern Gregorian calendar. These names served as a practical way to track the changing seasons, guiding activities like hunting, harvesting, and planting, where the bright moonlight proved invaluable. December's full Moon, appropriately named the Cold Moon, marks the beginning of winter, occurring near the winter solstice. It has also been called the Long Night Moon and the Moon before Yule, reflecting the long, dark nights of December.
And as a final treat, remember that the supermoon excitement doesn't end with the Cold Moon. The very next full Moon, on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, is the Wolf Moon – and it's another supermoon! Get ready for another spectacular lunar event to kick off the new year.
Now, here’s something to think about. Some argue that the term "supermoon" is overused and that the difference in size and brightness is barely noticeable to the average observer. What do you think? Is the hype around supermoons justified, or is it just clever marketing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
