Berlin: The last supermoon of 2025, known as the Cold Moon, is set to rise on December 4, coinciding with the onset of the Geminid meteor showers. The night sky will offer a spectacular display, with more celestial events expected in the upcoming New Year.

According to Deutsche Welle, supermoons occur when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, known as its perigee. On December 4, the moon will be approximately 17,000 miles (27,300 kilometers) closer to Earth, appearing up to 10% larger and brighter than usual. This supermoon is referred to as a “cold” full moon, marking the beginning of colder, darker months.

If the skies are clear, a moon illusion may occur, causing the moon to appear larger as it rises over the horizon. This phenomenon, although little understood scientifically, makes objects on the horizon seem larger to human perception. Additionally, as the moon rises, it may exhibit a yellow tinge due to the scattering of shorter blue wavelengths of light, leaving the red wa
velengths to reach our eyes.

The Cold Moon is just one of twelve full moon names, each associated with different times of the year. These names, rooted in North American traditions, have gained global recognition. The full moon names are Wolf Moon (January), Snow Moon (February), Worm Moon (March), Pink Moon (April), Flower Moon (May), Strawberry Moon (June), Buck Moon (July), Sturgeon Moon (August), Corn Moon (September), Hunter Moon (October), Beaver Moon (November), and Cold Moon (December).

Looking ahead to 2026, three supermoons are anticipated, starting with the Wolf Moon on January 3. Following this, the Super Beaver Moon will occur on November 24, and another Super Cold Moon is expected on December 24.

In addition to the supermoon, the Geminid meteor showers will be visible from December 4 to 20, peaking on December 14 with up to 120 meteors per hour. The Ursids, radiating near the constellation Ursa Minor, will shower from December 17 to 26.

Royal Museums Greenwich highlights a series of meteor s
howers for 2026, including the Quadrantids, Lyrids, Eta Aquariids, Delta Aquariids, Perseids, Draconids, Orionids, Taurids, Leonids, Geminids, and Ursids.

Moreover, 2026 will feature two solar eclipses. An annular solar eclipse on February 17 will be best viewed from Antarctica, while a total solar eclipse on August 12 will be visible in Spain, Iceland, Greenland, and northern Russia, with partial visibility in other regions.