The year's final supermoon spectacle has arrived, captivating sky enthusiasts worldwide. But did you catch this rare lunar event?
On December 4th, 2025, the night sky transformed as the last full moon of the year, also known as the December supermoon, reached its peak at 6:14 p.m. ET. This celestial occurrence, according to NASA, is a supermoon, appearing a remarkable 30% brighter and up to 14% larger than usual. But here's the fascinating part: supermoons happen when the moon is at its closest to Earth during its monthly orbit, a phenomenon dubbed 'perigee'.
Although the moon's peak brightness occurred on the 4th, it will continue to grace the skies with its radiant beauty on the following day, December 5th, and will maintain a full appearance for several days after.
This particular full moon holds various names, each with its own cultural significance. The Mohawk tribe, as noted by The Old Farmer's Almanac, refers to it as the Cold Moon, a fitting title for the winter season. Additionally, it's known as the Winter Maker Moon, the Little Spirit Moon, and the Long Night Moon.
For those eager to witness this lunar marvel, a collection of captivating photos awaits, showcasing the December Cold Moon in all its splendor. And if you're curious about more celestial wonders, Julia, a Trending reporter for USA TODAY, explores the realms of Labubu, Pop Mart, scientific studies, and trending news. You can connect with her on various platforms: LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, all under the handle @juliamariegz, or reach out via email at jgomez@gannett.com.
But what makes this supermoon so special? Is it the scientific phenomenon or the cultural significance that captivates your imagination? Share your thoughts below, and let's spark a conversation about our cosmic neighbor!