Stargazers across the United Kingdom are in for a spectacular celestial treat tonight, as the final and most extreme Supermoon of 2025 graces the night sky. This is not just another full moon; it marks the last opportunity to witness a moon reaching such a lofty height until the year 2042.
A Grand Finale: The Cold Moon's Peak Performance
According to astronomers at the Royal Museums Greenwich, the Cold Moon will reach its peak illumination at 11:14pm GMT on Thursday, December 4. Living up to its frosty name, this Supermoon coincides with the deepening winter chill across the globe. The lunar show begins much earlier, however, with the moon rising in the northeast at around 3pm on December 4. It will then set in the northwest at approximately 9am on Friday, December 5, offering a long window for observation from before sunset on Thursday right through to sunrise on Friday.
The Rare Cosmic Cycle Behind the Spectacle
What makes tonight's event so exceptionally rare is its connection to an 18.6-year cycle known as the Major Lunar Standstill. During this cycle, the moon's path across the sky reaches its most extreme points. Tonight's Cold Moon will climb higher in the sky for the Northern Hemisphere than any other full moon this year. We will not see a full moon attain this extreme altitude again for another 17 years, making this a genuine once-in-a-generation sighting.
This event serves as the grand finale for a year rich in Supermoon activity. It follows other notable sightings in 2025, including the 'Strawberry Moon' in June, which was notable for being the lowest full moon of the 18.6-year cycle, and the 'Blood Moon' eclipse on September 7.
How and When to Watch in the UK
The best way to experience the Cold Moon is to look towards the eastern horizon shortly after sunset. This is when the famous 'Moon Illusion' makes our celestial neighbour appear enormous and glow with a deep golden-orange hue. For observers in London and across the UK, the peak viewing time is 11:14pm GMT. For comparison, viewers in New York will see the moon reach its peak at 6:14pm EST.
No special equipment is needed to enjoy this astronomical event. Simply find a clear spot with an unobstructed view of the sky, away from bright city lights if possible, and look up. This is your last chance to see a Supermoon of such extreme altitude for nearly two decades, so wrap up warm and don't miss the final lunar performance of 2025.
