December‘s Final Supermoon to Light Up Night Skies
Skywatchers will have one last chance this year to witness a breathtaking celestial event: a supermoon will be visible in December. This final supermoon of 2025 offers a brighter, larger view of Earth’s natural satellite, a phenomenon resulting from the moon’s elliptical orbit bringing it closer to our planet.
Supermoons occur when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, making it appear up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than the faintest full moon of the year, according to NASA. This December’s event concludes a series of three consecutive supermoons in 2025. While subtle, the increased luminosity and size provide a captivating sight for observers, and understanding the conditions for viewing can enhance the experience.
The supermoon is easily visible to the naked eye in clear night skies, requiring no special equipment for observation. However, discerning the difference in size and brightness can be challenging. Astronomer William Alston with the University of Hertfordshire notes that the “moon illusion” – the tendency for the moon to appear larger when near the horizon - will be “slightly more striking” during this supermoon.
Beyond visual appeal, the closer proximity of the moon during a supermoon does cause slightly higher tides, though the difference is generally not very noticeable. The event provides a unique opportunity for both seasoned astronomers and casual observers to connect with the wonders of the night sky.
