On December 5, 2025, the final supermoon of the year illuminated night skies worldwide. Dubbed the cold moon for its arrival at the onset of winter’s longest, chilliest nights in the Northern Hemisphere, this perigee full moon marked the third and final supermoon of 2025.
Wen Kou, senior engineer at the Beijing Planetarium, notes that a supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth, known in astronomy as the perigee. Orbiting in an ellipse, the moon swings between perigee and apogee; when these align with a full moon, observers are treated to an especially large and bright lunar display.
This supermoon reached its full phase at approximately 7:14 a.m. Beijing Time, about 12 hours after reaching perigee. It was the second-largest full moon of 2025, with the record held by the November 5 supermoon.
Astronomers say the diameter difference between this supermoon and November’s record holder is imperceptible to most viewers, a testament to the precision of modern observational techniques.
From rooftop bars in New York to desert camps in Morocco, and from Tokyo’s city lights to Patagonia’s remote vistas, photographers and stargazers captured breathtaking frames of the cold moon. Digital nomads in Bali shared time-lapse videos, while entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts used VR platforms and mobile apps to host virtual moon-gazing sessions, turning a solo sky event into a global celebration streamed by astronomy clubs across Europe.
Beyond its visual appeal, the cold moon offers a moment to contemplate our shared place in the cosmos. For thought leaders and changemakers, it’s a reminder of the connections that bind us—across continents, cultures and time zones. As 2025 draws to a close, skywatchers can carry that sense of wonder and unity into the new year.
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Final supermoon of 2025: Cold moon captivates skies worldwide
cgtn.com
