The final full moon of 2025, known as the “Cold Moon,” dazzled stargazers on December 4. It rose high in the autumn sky, glowing bright among the stars of Taurus. This full moon was especially striking because it was part of a series of “Supermoons.” Supermoons occur when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, making it appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than the smallest moon, often referred to as a “micromoon.”
Photographers worldwide eagerly captured images of this spectacle. The “Cold Moon” earned its name from the chilly winter temperatures typical for December. It made for a stunning conclusion to both the lunar calendar and 2025.
On social media, many shared their photos, showcasing the beauty of the moon from their locations. For example, Daisy Dobrijevic, using her iPhone 16 Pro from Teide National Park in Tenerife, captured the near-full moon lighting up the landscape. “Even though it disrupted some sky-watching plans, it beautifully illuminated the scene,” she noted.
In San Francisco, Kwong Liew created a captivating composite image of the moon rising behind the Salesforce Tower. Similarly, Mexican photographer Daniel Cardenas captured the moon rising between the wings of the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City.
Across the ocean in Lisbon, Henrique Casinhas highlighted the moon’s beauty against a dark blue sky, revealing the scars left by ancient impact craters on its surface. Meanwhile, in New York, Gary Hershorn snapped the orange moon rising just behind iconic skyscrapers like the Empire State Building.
The interest in the “Cold Moon” reflects a broader trend. A recent survey showed that 60% of people engage in stargazing for relaxation and peace. This connection to nature through celestial events encourages individuals to step outside and appreciate the night sky.
As the “Cold Moon” continued to shine, many photographers took advantage of the bright lunar display to capture creative compositions, like Huseyin Demirci’s telephoto shot of a man appearing to carry the moon in a wheelbarrow.
If you didn’t catch the “Cold Moon” this time, don’t fret! The moon will look full for several nights following its peak. The last supermoon of this series will rise on January 3, 2026, promising more opportunities for breathtaking lunar photography and peaceful stargazing.
For further insights on the amazing world of astronomy, consider exploring resources from NASA’s lunar program here.
