The final full moon of 2025, known as the Cold Moon, will light up the sky on December 4. It will also be the last supermoon of the year, appearing bigger and brighter because the moon will be near its closest point to Earth. NASA says the term “supermoon” is commonly used when a full moon comes within 90% of its closest distance to Earth. The Cold Moon, also called the Long Night Moon, follows the Harvest Moon in October and the Beaver Moon in November. This year, it meets all the conditions for a true supermoon, making it especially striking to watch.
The Cold Moon is often seen as a symbol of reflection and slowing down during winter. The moon may look largest near the horizon just after moonrise, a visual effect known as the Moon Illusion. On December 4, New York’s moonrise is at 3:54 PM EST, while Los Angeles will see moonrise around 4:22 PM PST. For the best view, it’s recommended to watch from a dark area away from city lights. No equipment is needed, but binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience.
