Don’t Miss the Last Supermoon of 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Viewing It This Week!

The final supermoon of the year will shine brightly on December 4 at 6:15 p.m. EST, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. This full moon, known as the “cold moon,” will be the third and last of the year, sitting about 221,965 miles from Earth. It will look full on both Wednesday and Friday nights, weather permitting, offering a great chance for stargazers to capture stunning photos or simply enjoy the beauty of an autumn sky.

Have you ever noticed how the moon can seem gigantic when it rises over the landscape? This is due to an optical effect called the moon illusion, which is especially pronounced during a supermoon.

So, what is a supermoon? It happens when the moon gets closer to Earth than usual during its orbit. This proximity makes it look up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. NASA explains that different sources may have varying definitions of what constitutes a supermoon, as the moon’s orbit is not a perfect circle. It varies in distance from the Earth throughout the month.

December’s full moon has a unique name with historical roots. The term “cold moon” comes from the Mohawk tribe, referring to the chilly weather typical for this time of year. The Mohican tribe also called it the “long night moon,” reflecting the longer nights of winter.

Typically, a full moon appears every 29 days, but it’s possible to have two full moons in one month since many months have 30 or 31 days. If you miss this supermoon, don’t worry! There will be three supermoons next year to look forward to.

Interestingly, social media reactions to supermoons often include excitement and awe. Many users share their photos, sparking conversations about their experiences and favorite moon-related myths. Supermoons can also inspire scientific interest, with studies showing that moonlight affects human and animal behaviors. For instance, research has found that brighter nights may lead to changes in sleep patterns for some animals.

In conclusion, the cold moon offers a beautiful spectacle and a moment to reflect on nature’s wonders. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars, take a moment to appreciate this celestial event.

Source link

Article,Plus,Image,Topper,USAT,Graphics,Supermoon,Moon,(natural,satellite),full,moon,Astronomy,Astronomers,Overall,Neutral,Astronomy,Time,\u0026,Calendars,NASA,BBC,Article Plus,Image Topper,USAT Graphics,Supermoon,Moon (natural satellite),full moon,Astronomy,Astronomers,Overall Neutral,Astronomy,Time \u0026 Calendars,NASA,BBC