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03 December 2025
What is the Cold Moon?
This December full moon is unlike any other. In fact, since it falls in the last month of the year, people call it the Cold Moon. Its name comes from the Indigenous people of North America. They first noticed that as this month arrives, frost and snow begin to dominate the landscape. Furthermore, depending on tradition and culture, this December full moon also receives other names: the Long Nights Moon or sometimes the Oak Moon.
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An astronomical fact about the Cold Moon
The December full moon is often one of the highest-rising full moons of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere). This happens because the Sun travels very low across the sky near the winter solstice, while the full Moon is positioned on the opposite side — its path is therefore high. Thanks to this, the Cold Moon can shine exceptionally long and bright, even if it is not at a record-breaking distance from Earth.
The Supermoon: Highest and Most Spectacular Full Moon of the Year
This is an exceptionally powerful full moon; it clearly symbolizes the arrival of cold days and long nights. Moreover, it closes the entire yearly cycle. It appears when the Moon moves especially close to the Earth—in its perigee—at a distance of only about 356,500 kilometers.
This particular full moon also occurs closest to the winter solstice. Consequently, the Northern Hemisphere wraps itself in long, cold winter nights. As a result, this makes it the highest full moon of the year, which also becomes one of the brightest and most spectacular.
Cold Moon:
this year, the unusual supermoon will be visible for three days, starting from the night of December 4 to 5.
How to Watch the Cold Moon 2025
Before you head out to admire the full moon, first get familiar with the most crucial information about it:
- Date and time – we will see it this year on the night of December 5 at 00:15 am. It will last for three days.
- Illumination intensity – this full moon is not 100% illuminated due to the tilt of the Moon’s orbit relative to the Earth’s orbit.
Because this marks the last full moon of the year, we certainly should prepare ourselves for it.
What to Remember Before Observing the December Supermoon?
You can clearly spot the Cold Moon, just like any full moon, with the naked eye. Therefore, you do not need any specialized equipment. Despite this, you might want to use a telescope or binoculars to achieve a better and more detailed view.
To truly enjoy this beautiful phenomenon in the sky, you should move away from artificial light, especially in the city, and relocate to a more secluded, darker place. However, remember that December nights feel quite chilly. For this reason, dress warmly. In addition, bring along a warm, comforting drink. A chair or deckchair will also prove useful.
These tips will serve you well not only during the first few days of this month. Soon, the Geminids meteor shower will peak on the night of December 13-14, and the Ursids will follow just before Christmas.
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A folk tale about the Cold Moon
In old Slavic beliefs, the December full moon was sometimes called the “Wolf Full Moon” or the “Frost Moon,” because it was thought that wolves would draw closer to human settlements at that time, and their howling was said to answer the bright full-moon light. It was also believed that the light of the Cold Moon strengthened protective charms, so people would place water, salt, or iron on their windowsills “to let them absorb power.”
December Full Moon: The Cold Moon in its Full Glory
The December full moon brings the Cold Moon—a celestial event that ends the annual cycle and clearly symbolizes short days and cold nights. How do you watch the Cold Moon? Most importantly, dress warmly and move to a dark area. You will easily spot the phenomenon with the naked eye.
Do you have someone among your friends who is interested in how to watch the Cold Moon? Send them this article.
Read this article in Polish: Superksiężyc na niebie. Kiedy i jak oglądać Zimny Księżyc
