Berlin: The last supermoon of 2025, known as the Cold Moon, is set to illuminate the night sky on December 4 as the Geminid meteor showers commence. This celestial event will mark a spectacular end to the year, with more astronomical phenomena expected early in the New Year.

According to Deutsche Welle, supermoons occur when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, known as the moon’s perigee. On this occasion, the moon will be approximately 17,000 miles (27,300 kilometers) closer to Earth, appearing up to 10% larger and significantly brighter than usual. The December supermoon is referred to as a “cold” full moon, signaling the advent of colder, darker months.

If weather conditions permit, observers looking east will notice the moon appearing larger than usual as it rises over the horizon. This is attributed to the “moon illusion,” a phenomenon where objects on the horizon are perceived as larger due to little scientific explanation. The moon may also exhibit a yellowish hue as it r
ises, caused by the scattering of shorter blue wavelengths, leaving predominantly red wavelengths to reach our eyes. As the moon ascends, it appears bluer due to the reduced distance light travels.

The naming of full moons is rooted in North American traditions, both indigenous and colonial, and has gained global recognition. Each full moon carries a name that reflects the time of year it occurs. For example, January’s full moon is known as the Wolf Moon, while December’s is the Cold Moon.

Looking ahead to 2026, three supermoons are anticipated, with the first, the Wolf Moon, occurring on January 3. Subsequent supermoons include the Super Beaver Moon on November 24 and another Super Cold Moon on December 24.

The Geminid meteor showers, visible from December 4 to December 20, are expected to peak on December 14, with up to 120 meteors per hour. The Ursids, peaking on December 22, will offer a more modest display with about a dozen meteors per hour.

In addition to these events, Royal Museums Greenwich highl
ights several meteor showers and solar eclipses in 2026. Notable occurrences include the Quadrantids peaking on January 4 and the Perseids on August 13. An annular solar eclipse on February 17 and a total solar eclipse on August 12 will also captivate skywatchers globally.