December’s Final Supermoon to Light Up the Sky With Rare Star Cluster Event
Astronomy enthusiasts are in for a stunning celestial display as December’s Full Moon, known as the “Cold Moon,” becomes the final and third supermoon of 2025, peaking late Thursday, December 4. However, experts say the most spectacular viewing opportunity will actually occur a day earlier on Wednesday, December 3, when the nearly full Moon aligns closely with the famous Pleiades star cluster.
According to astronomers, the Moon will move into a rare and visually dramatic position near the Pleiades (also called the Seven Sisters), one of the brightest and most recognizable star clusters in the night sky. During this event, the Moon will pass directly in front of the cluster in a phenomenon known as an occultation, briefly hiding the stars from view as it moves across the sky.
The Moon will also reach perigee, the closest point to Earth in its orbit, during this time. Because of this, it will appear slightly larger and brighter than an average full Moon, officially classifying it as a supermoon. While the full phase occurs at 6:14 p.m. Eastern Time on December 4, skywatchers will get their most dramatic views during the occultation on December 3.
Best Viewing Times by Region
UK & Europe: The occultation will be visible in the early morning hours of Thursday, December 4, just before sunrise. Observers are advised to start watching from Wednesday evening as the Moon and Pleiades rise together in the eastern sky.
Eastern North America: The event will take place during the early evening of Wednesday, December 3, making it ideal for public viewing.
Western North America: By the time darkness falls on December 3, the occultation may already be in progress.
Why It’s Called the “Cold Moon”
The December Full Moon is traditionally known as the Cold Moon because it rises during one of the coldest and darkest periods of the year. The naming tradition comes from Native American cultures, where each full Moon was given a name reflecting seasonal changes, weather patterns, or natural events.
Full Moon Names of 2025
The Cold Moon marks the final full Moon and final supermoon of the year. Earlier full Moons in 2025 included:
January — Wolf Moon
February — Snow Moon
March — Worm Moon
April — Pink Moon
June — Strawberry Moon
July — Buck Moon
September — Corn Moon
October — Hunter Moon
November — Beaver Moon
With clear skies and minimal light pollution, December’s Cold Moon promises to be a breathtaking way to close out the lunar calendar of 2025.
