"Cold Supermoon" on the horizon: An impressive sight expected this week

The final lunar event of the year is expected to captivate skywatchers this week. According to Live Science, the so-called Cold Supermoon described as a breathtaking display will be most visible on Thursday, December 4, appearing especially striking around 6:14 p.m. It will also be noticeable on the evenings immediately before and after this date.

The name Cold Moon comes from Native American tradition, referencing the lower temperatures typically experienced when it rises. It is sometimes called the Long Night Moon, as its appearance coincides with the years longest nights near the winter solstice.

NASA clarifies that a supermoon occurs when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter in the night sky. The exact distance varies because the Moons orbit shifts relative to the positions of Earth and the Sun. Although supermoon is not an official astronomical term, it generally describes a full moon that comes within 90 percent of its closest approach to Earth, or perigee.

Live Science notes that this Cold Supermoon is the twelfth full moon of the year and marks the final of four supermoons in 2025. As the years last moon, it promises a spectacular view for those who take the time to watch the skies.

Author: Gavin Porter