Discover the science behind the Cold Supermoon, its significance in December, and how to enjoy the celestial show. Learn about its size, brightness, and its unique timing related to the winter solstice.
The term supermoon designates a full moon that aligns with the perigee, the point in its orbit where the moon is closest to Earth. The moon's path around our planet isn't a perfect circle; it's elliptical. This means the distance between the Earth and the Moon constantly changes, fluctuating between approximately 407,000 kilometers at apogee, the farthest point, and around 380,000 kilometers at perigee.
The upcoming full moon, also known as the Cold Supermoon, set to occur in December, holds special significance. It's not only the final full moon of the year in 2025, marking the culmination of twelve full moons, but also the third consecutive supermoon. Moreover, it's expected to be roughly 357,000 kilometers away from us, making it the second-closest full moon of the year. This proximity translates to a potentially impressive celestial display, rendering it the second-largest and brightest full moon of the year. While the size difference might not be immediately apparent to the naked eye – possibly appearing up to 8 percent larger – the increased brightness could be quite noticeable, potentially exceeding the brightness of a typical full moon by as much as 16 percent. Adding to the spectacle, this particular supermoon will achieve 100 percent illumination just twelve hours after reaching its perigee, enhancing its visibility and luminosity for observers worldwide.\Beyond its astronomical characteristics, the December full moon carries the moniker of 'Cold Supermoon,' reflecting the frigid temperatures typically associated with this time of year. As winter descends, with the winter solstice swiftly approaching on December 21, the sun reaches its lowest position in the sky. This astronomical positioning consequently places the full moon at its highest point in the sky. It's important to note, as highlighted by EarthSky, that while the Cold Supermoon is indeed near the solstice, it isn't the absolute closest full moon to that date. The first full moon of 2026, scheduled for January 3rd, will occur just twelve days after the solstice, making it the fourth and final consecutive supermoon of this series. This unique temporal alignment further enhances the intrigue of observing the Cold Supermoon. The timing provides excellent opportunities for observing this celestial event, particularly given its elevated position in the sky, which offers a different perspective on the night sky.\For those eager to witness this celestial show, the exact moment of the full moon is scheduled for 6:14 pm ET on Thursday, December 4. While the moon will appear nearly full on the nights leading up to and following this precise moment, the peak of the event offers the optimal viewing experience. Observers are encouraged to take advantage of the moonrise, as this is the prime time to experience the so-called lunar illusion. This phenomenon can make the moon appear significantly larger than usual, particularly when it's near the horizon. NASA scientists are still studying the underlying causes of this illusion, but it's widely accepted that the effect is amplified during a supermoon. For the best viewing experience, individuals should seek out an elevated location or an open area with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon, the direction from which the moon rises. With clear skies, the Cold Supermoon promises to be a memorable celestial display, a fitting finale to the year's lunar events. This information has been sourced and translated from a WIRED Italia article
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