The final full moon of 2025 is here, and it's bringing the cosmic drama with it. Tonight, December 4th, the Cold Moon supermoon will reach peak illumination at 6:14 p.m. ET, marking the third and final supermoon of the year and capping off an extraordinary season of celestial events.
What Makes This Moon Super?
This isn't just any full moon—it's a supermoon, which means Earth's lunar companion is making one of its closest approaches to our planet. At approximately
221,965 miles away, this December supermoon orbits significantly closer than typical full moons, creating a striking visual effect.
When the moon reaches perigee (its closest point to Earth) while simultaneously being full, the result is a supermoon that appears noticeably
larger and brighter than ordinary full moons. The optical illusion becomes even more dramatic as the moon rises low on the horizon tonight, creating an almost hypnotic glow across the evening sky.
Why It's Called the Cold Moon
The December full moon carries multiple names rooted in
Native American, European, and colonial traditions. Known as the "Cold Moon" or "Long Night Moon," this lunation occurs near the winter solstice—the year's longest night—when temperatures drop and the chill of winter truly sets in across the Northern Hemisphere.
The name perfectly captures the season: as clarity sharpens in the cold air, this final full moon of 2025 illuminates the darkest time of year with exceptional brightness and emotional intensity.
A Meteor Shower Bonus
Here's where tonight gets even more spectacular: the
Geminid meteor shower begins tonight, running through December 17 with peak activity on December 13-14.
Regarded as
the most powerful meteor shower of the year, the Geminids are celebrated for producing bright, vividly colored meteors that travel at medium-slow speeds radiating from the Gemini constellation. Under ideal dark sky conditions, observers could witness up to
120 striking white Geminid meteors per hour at peak activity.
The shower begins as early as 9 p.m., reaches its peak around 2 a.m., and continues into the early morning hours, with meteors streaking through the sky every minute or two.
How to Catch the Show
For the best viewing experience, seek out the
darkest possible location away from city lights and allow approximately 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. The optimal time to observe meteor showers is around midnight.
To find moonrise and moonset times specific to your location, visit the Old Farmer's Almanac website. The moon will rise at similar times for several consecutive nights, including Wednesday and Friday, so you'll have multiple opportunities to witness this celestial event.
What's Next in the Cosmos
The supermoon series that began in September will conclude in January 2026 with the
Wolf Supermoon, scheduled to rise on January 3, 2026. The next cycle of supermoons won't return until November 2026, making tonight's display particularly significant for skywatchers.
Additionally, on December 7, the moon will have a celestial companion as it forms a
conjunction with Jupiter—the two will appear close together in the eastern sky, creating another memorable viewing opportunity.
As we approach the winter solstice on December 21, 2025, tonight's supermoon serves as a brilliant reminder of the cosmos's endless wonders, even during the year's darkest season.
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North Jersey - Is there a full moon tonight? December 2025 cold moon meaning2.
Cosmopolitan - Your Horoscope for December's Full Moon in Gemini3.
NASA - What's Up: December 2025 Skywatching Tips4.
Desert Sun - Is there a full moon tonight? Final supermoon in California for 2025
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5. December 4, 2025 Supermoon: The Rare Full Moon Blessings Your ...
