Bright supermoon and 2 meteor showers to illuminate California sky. Find out when

California night skies are set to dazzle with a grand full moon and two meteor showers this December. The last full moon of 2025 will be a supermoon, appearing unusually large and bright for observers in the Golden State. This marks the third consecutive supermoon of the year, offering a rare chance for stargazers to witness an extraordinary lunar display.

When to See the December Supermoon

The 12th full moon of the year will reach its peak at 3:14 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, according to Time and Date. The moon will appear more prominent because it coincides with perigee, the closest point to Earth in its orbit. At this time, the moon can look up to 14% larger and 30% brighter compared to its appearance at apogee, the farthest point from Earth.

Decembers supermoon is the final of three in 2025. Its increased size can slightly elevate tides along Californias coast, though the effect remains modest. California ranks among the top 10 states in the nation for observing this supermoon, with factors like sky clarity, humidity, elevation, and darkness contributing to visibility.

The full moon in December is traditionally called the cold moon, reflecting the seasonal drop in temperatures. Other historical names include the long night moon, snow moon, frost moon, and moon before Yule, highlighting its association with winter nights and ancient Yuletide celebrations.

Geminid Meteor Shower

The Geminid meteor shower, one of the years most prolific, will peak overnight from Saturday, December 13, into Sunday, December 14. Observers may see 60 to 120 meteors per hour under ideal dark skies. These bright, yellow-tinged meteors originate from asteroid 3200 Phaethon and typically appear from 9 or 10 p.m. until dawn.

The 2025 Geminids will be especially favorable for viewing, as the night sky will remain dark until the waning crescent moon rises around 2 a.m. The shower is known for producing fireballsparticularly bright streaks that can appear anywhere across the sky.

Winter Solstice and Ursid Meteor Shower

The winter solstice, marking the shortest day and longest night of 2025 in California, occurs on Sunday, December 21. During this time, the sun reaches its lowest path across the sky, creating the longest shadows of the year.

The Ursid meteor shower peaks overnight from Sunday, December 21, into Monday, December 22. Though less intense than the Geminids, observers may still spot up to 10 meteors per hour. The best viewing occurs in dark skies before dawn, with shooting stars occasionally visible throughout the night.

December promises a spectacular celestial show for California, combining the luminous supermoon with two exciting meteor showers for stargazers to enjoy.

Analysis: December's Celestial Spectacle for California

As we approach December, California's night skies are poised for a rare celestial event that will captivate skywatchers across the state. The final full moon of 2025, a supermoon, will be visible on December 4, offering a remarkable opportunity for stargazers to witness a moon that is both larger and brighter than usual. This supermoon is not just a visual spectacle, but a significant astronomical event, being the third consecutive supermoon of the year. Its appearance, coinciding with the perigee, marks it as a particularly striking example of lunar proximity.

What makes this December full moon even more special is its timing alongside two major meteor showers—the Geminids and the Ursids. The Geminid meteor shower, renowned for its intensity, will peak on the night of December 13-14, delivering up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal viewing conditions. This provides a perfect pairing with the supermoon, as both events will make for a memorable night under the stars. However, the presence of the moon, especially as it remains bright until the early hours, might slightly hinder visibility of the fainter meteors.

Meanwhile, the Ursid meteor shower, which peaks on December 21, will offer a quieter, more subdued spectacle. While it lacks the brilliance of the Geminids, the Ursids will still deliver shooting stars in the night sky, with the best visibility occurring just before dawn on December 22. This shower coincides with the winter solstice, adding a seasonal touch to the celestial events of the month.

Overall, December's combination of a supermoon and two meteor showers provides an exceptional opportunity for sky enthusiasts in California. The favorable weather conditions, combined with minimal moon interference during the peak of the Geminids, promise a memorable night for those eager to explore the wonders of the universe.

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• ‘Luminous’ supermoon, 2 meteor showers to light up California sky. Here’s when