As 2025 neared its end, the night sky presented a breathtaking farewell gift: the magnificent December full moon, known as the Cold Moon. This was not just any full moon; it was the year's final Supermoon, offering a brighter and larger lunar disc to observers across the planet.
A Supermoon Finale for 2025
The celestial event reached its peak brilliance on 4 December 2025. A Supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth in its orbit, a point called perigee. This proximity made the Cold Moon appear visibly larger and significantly brighter than a typical full moon, serving as a dazzling finale to the annual lunar calendar and the autumn season.
Photographers and astronomy enthusiasts worldwide seized the opportunity, training their lenses on the luminous giant. The result was a stunning international collection of images that transformed this astronomical event into a shared global experience.
A World Tour of the Cold Moon
The Cold Moon, named for the deepening chill of early winter, was captured against iconic backdrops, creating unforgettable compositions.
In London, United Kingdom, a creative photograph showed the full moon positioned perfectly behind an LED fairy light display, crafting an illusion where a figure seemed to cradle the celestial body in its hand.
Over Rome, Italy, the moon provided a dramatic backdrop for a murmuration of starlings, with hundreds of birds silhouetted against the bright orb. In Istanbul, Turkey, the illuminated dome of the Blue Mosque and its reflection created a moody foreground for a deep orange moon wrapped in clouds.
Further west in Lisbon, Portugal, the moon shone a crisp silver in a dark blue sky, with the reflective material from its impact craters clearly visible.
Dramatic Rises Over the Americas
The spectacle was equally impressive across the Atlantic. In New York City, USA, the orange-hued moon was photographed rising neatly between skyscrapers, including the iconic Empire State Building. Over Los Angeles, it ascended behind the San Gabriel Mountains, and in another frame, peered through a thin cloud veil with intersecting airplane contrails forming a cross over its face.
In Mexico City, the fully-lit lunar disc was captured in a powerful alignment, rising precisely between the majestic wings of the Angel of Independence monument, connecting the celestial event with human history and architecture.
Looking Ahead to the Next Supermoon
The 2025 Cold Supermoon was a definitive highlight for stargazers, providing both a visual treat and artistic inspiration. For those who missed the exact peak on December 4, the moon remained impressively full to the naked eye for the following nights.
The good news for lunar enthusiasts is that the Supermoon phenomenon will return early in the new year. The next spectacular full moon is expected to grace our skies in January 2026, promising another captivating natural light show to inaugurate the year.
