Last Supermoon of 2025: How to Witness December’s Magnificent Cold Moon

Stargazers across the United Kingdom are preparing for a celestial spectacle this Thursday, December 4, as the full Cold Moon illuminates the night sky. This event marks the third and final supermoon of 2025, promising a larger and brighter lunar display.

A supermoon occurs when the Moon reaches its fullest phase while simultaneously being at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, a phenomenon known as perigee. This close proximity makes the Moon appear significantly bigger and more luminous than usual. While supermoons are not uncommon, observing three consecutive ones, with a fourth expected in early 2026, is a notable occurrence for astronomy enthusiasts.

Millenium TV has learned that the Cold Moon will begin its ascent in the north-eastern sky on Thursday afternoon. Specific rise times include 14:52 GMT in London, 14:29 in Edinburgh, 14:52 in Belfast, and 15:05 in Cardiff. The Moon will remain visible throughout the dark hours, setting between 08:00 and 09:00 the following morning.

As it rises, the Moon will create a striking celestial alignment, forming a triangular pattern with the Pleiades star cluster and the brilliant star Aldebaran. Additionally, the gas giant Jupiter will be a prominent feature near the Moon, alongside the familiar winter constellation of Orion the Hunter.

Forecasts suggest a band of cloud and rain will traverse the UK on Thursday, potentially lingering into the evening over northern and eastern Scotland and eastern England. However, as this system moves away, clearer skies are anticipated overnight in many regions. Viewers should be aware that widespread mist and fog could develop, possibly reducing visibility in some localized areas. Temperatures are expected to drop close to freezing, bringing a touch of frost to certain locations.

The December full Moon is traditionally known as the Cold Moon, a name that dates back centuries to ancient traditions used for tracking seasonal changes. This particular name signifies the onset of winter and is observed near the winter solstice. It has also been referred to as the Long Night Moon and the Moon Before Yule. The next full Moon, the Wolf Moon, is slated for Saturday, January 3, 2026, and is also expected to be a supermoon.