The last supermoon of 2025, known as the Cold Moon, captivated stargazers worldwide from Thursday evening into early Friday. Brightly illuminating night skies, this celestial event peaked at 7:14 AM Beijing time on Friday, offering a remarkable visual experience for those fortunate enough to witness it.
This supermoon is significant not only for its beauty but also for its position in the lunar calendar. As the second largest full moon of the year, it serves as a captivating reminder of the natural wonders visible from our planet.
Key Developments
- The Cold Moon reached its fullest phase early Friday morning in Beijing.
- Rising approximately 12 hours after its closest approach to Earth, the moon was less than 360,000 kilometers away.
- Earlier this year, observers also enjoyed an even larger supermoon in November and a smaller one in October.
- Experts recommend watching during the golden hour for optimal viewing, when the moon appears larger against earthly landscapes.
- The next supermoon is expected in December of the following year, potentially even more impressive.
Full Report
A Celestial Show
As the Cold Moon illuminated cities and landscapes from Warsaw to Panama City, its display reminded many of the enchanting beauty of astronomy. According to the Beijing Planetarium, the supermoon reached its fullest phase just after dawn on Friday morning.
The Illusion of Size
Astronomers highlighted an interesting optical phenomenon regarding the moon’s appearance. Kou Wen, a senior engineer at the Beijing Planetarium, explained that when the moon rises, it often appears larger against the horizon and surrounding objects. By midnight, when the moon is high in the sky without contrasting objects, it appears smaller. This effect is an illusion rather than an actual change in size.
Timing is Key
Experts assert that the timing of the supermoon is essential for enjoyment. Those who planned their viewings for the moments just after sunset were able to appreciate the moon’s beauty at its most dramatic. The recent Cold Moon offered a striking showcase, with views reported from picturesque locations such as the Strait of Magellan in Chile and Porto Alegre in Brazil.
Context & Previous Events
The Cold Moon is the final supermoon of 2025, following a major supermoon event in November and another smaller one in October. The next supermoon will occur in December of next year, with astronomers anticipating a notable proximity compared to this year’s occurrences.
