NYC’s Final Full Moon Of 2025 Will Be A Dazzling December Supermoon

Mark your calendars and grab your puffer coat–the final full moon of 2025 is set to light up NYC’s night sky in a grand display of celestial wonder this December–and this year, it’s a dazzling supermoon. Here’s everything New Yorkers need to know about the December Cold Moon: What Is The December Full Moon Called? -------------------------------------- December in the Northern Hemisphere is known for its long, dark, and icy nights, so it’s no surprise that December’s full moon is most commonly called the Cold Moon, according to the *Old Farmer’s Almanac*. Other traditional names include the Frost Moon and the Winter Moon, all fitting titles for a moon that rises during the chilliest time of year. When Can I See The Final Full Moon Of 2025? ------------------------------------------- The final full moon of the year will reach peak illumination at 6:14 pm EST on Tuesday, December 4th. For the most dramatic view, you’ll want to look toward the eastern horizon just after moonrise at 3:54 pm EST on December 4th, when the moon appears larger near the horizon. This effect is known as the “Moon illusion,” and it makes the Cold Moon look especially impressive as it climbs over NYC’s skyline. What’s Makes The December 2025 Full Moon Special? ------------------------------------------------- December’s full moon isn’t just any full moon–it’s the third in a series of three consecutive supermoons closing out 2025. The previous one was the Full Beaver Supermoon, which rose over NYC on November 5th. That means skywatchers are getting one last extra-bright lunar show before we ring in the new year. What’s A Full Moon? ------------------- A Full Moon occurs when Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon. This alignment lets us see the entire side of the Moon that’s lit by the Sun, making it appear full in the sky. Technically, the Moon is only perfectly full for a brief moment–but to the naked eye, it looks full for about a day before and after peak illumination. What’s A Supermoon? ------------------- A supermoon (also called a perigean full moon) happens when a full moon coincides with the Moon being at or near perigee, its closest point to Earth in its oval-shaped orbit. Because it’s closer than usual, a supermoon can appear up to about 14% bigger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon, making details on the lunar surface easier to spot, even from light-polluted cities like NYC. Do I Need Any Special Equipment To See December’s Full Moon? ------------------------------------------------------------ No special equipment is required–you can enjoy the December Cold Moon with just your eyes. However, a telescope or a good pair of binoculars can make the experience even better. Tim Brothers, technical instructor and observatory manager at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told USA Today that for any kind of stargazing, a solid telescope or binoculars can significantly enhance what you’re able to see. So bundle up, step outside, and take advantage of these early winter nightfalls to admire the night sky–this final full moon of 2025 will be one you won’t want to miss. 🌕✨ Source: https://secretnyc.co/final-full-moon-2025-cold-supermoon/