The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has announced that the final supermoon of 2025, commonly known as the December Cold Moon, will be clearly visible across Pakistan during the nights of December 4 and 5. According to SUPARCO, this celestial event will offer viewers an opportunity to observe the Moon in a distinctly brighter and slightly larger form than usual.
A supermoon occurs when the Moon reaches the perigee—its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit—while being fully illuminated at the same time. This combination causes the Moon to appear marginally larger and significantly brighter in the night sky compared to an ordinary full moon.
The December Cold Moon will be the third consecutive supermoon of 2025 and the last supermoon of the year. It will reach its peak brightness at 4:15 AM PST on December 5 at approximately 99.8% illumination. In Pakistan, it will rise on December 4 at 4:58 PM PST at 99.2% illumination, allowing observers to comfortably view it throughout both nights. Although this supermoon will be slightly less “super” compared to the November supermoon, it remains an important astronomical occurrence.
During the November 5 supermoon, the distance between the Earth and the Moon was 356,978 kilometers. However, on the night of December 4–5, this distance will be 357,218 kilometers. As a result, the supermoon will appear roughly 7.9% larger and about 15% brighter than a typical full moon, enhancing its visual appeal.
Supermoons typically occur three to four times a year, although this number may increase depending on how frequently the full moon coincides with the perigee. While the size difference can be subtle to the naked eye, exceptionally close supermoons—which appear brightest and largest—carry notable scientific and observational importance.
SUPARCO has encouraged the public, students, and astronomy enthusiasts to observe this natural event. The commission noted that no special equipment is required to witness it, and the supermoon can be easily observed with the naked eye under clear weather conditions.
