Final supermoon of the year will appear tonight

Chilly December weather signals the arrival of the full Cold Moon tonight. Adding to the spectacle, this full moon will also be a supermoon, appearing at its closest point to Earth. Supermoons can look up to 7% larger and shine up to 15% brighter than a typical full moon.

This marks the final supermoon of a trio, with the next one expected only in May of the coming year. The December full moon is traditionally called the Cold Moon due to the seasons frigid temperatures. It is also referred to as the "Long Night Moon" because it appears close to the winter solstice and stays visible longer than most other full moons.

Tonights clear skies promise a stunning view. As the moon rises over the horizon, it will initially seem unusually large because of the moon illusion, an optical phenomenon where the moon appears bigger compared to nearby objects on the horizon. Once the moon climbs higher into the sky, this effect diminishes.

Author's Analysis: The Cold Moon Supermoon Tonight

The full Cold Moon arriving tonight is more than just a seasonal spectacle. As a supermoon, it will appear up to 7% larger and 15% brighter than usual, offering an exceptional view for skywatchers. This event completes the year’s trio of supermoons, with the next one anticipated only in May.

Traditionally called the Cold Moon due to the December chill, this full moon is also known as the Long Night Moon, visible for extended hours around the winter solstice. Tonight’s clear skies enhance the experience, and observers may notice the moon appearing unusually large near the horizon—a result of the well-known optical “moon illusion.”

While the illusion fades as the moon rises higher, the combination of its proximity to Earth and the seasonal timing makes tonight a notable astronomical event. The Cold Moon supermoon offers both a visually striking phenomenon and a reminder of the predictable rhythms of our celestial environment.

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• Last supermoon of the year arrives this evening