This week, Mother Nature is providing us with the year’s final spectacle. Look up on December 4th, and enjoy the magnificence of this Supermoon, also known as the “Cold Moon.” Don’t worry, you won’t miss it! It’s the biggest one we’ll have seen in 2025.
What’s a Supermoon?
A Supermoon occurs when a full moon nearly coincides with perigee, which is the point in the moon’s elliptical orbit where it is closest to Earth. When this happens, the moon can appear significantly larger and around 16% brighter than an average full moon. The effect often seems more dramatic when the moon is low on the horizon. This is thanks to an optical illusion called the “moon illusion.”
Why is it called the Cold Moon?
The Full Moon of this season is traditionally called the Cold Moon, a title with origins in Native American, colonial American, and European traditions. In the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the official arrival of winter. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, it coincides with the peak of summer. That makes things a bit confusing for those living down under.
The moon is also known as:
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Moon Before Yule – A pagan and Wiccan term for the Full Moon closest to the winter solstice, signaling preparation for the Yule festival.
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Oak Moon – Some European traditions refer to it as the Oak Moon, marking the time when oak trees are bare and winter begins.
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Long Night Moon – Similar to the ‘cold moon,’ this name references the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere when nights grow long and temperatures drop.
When and where to watch the Cold Supermoon in Las Vegas
The best time to see it is just after sunset on December 4th. Look for it low on the eastern horizon to enjoy the full effect of the “moon illusion.” For the clearest view, you’ll need to escape the lights of the Strip. A spot near Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area or the Mount Charleston area makes the perfect location to take in this unforgettable show!