Pakistanis will be able to witness the final supermoon of 2025, known as the Cold Moon, during the nights of December 4 and 5, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) announced on Thursday.
A supermoon occurs when a full Moon lines up with the Moon’s closest point to Earth, called perigee. This makes the Moon appear slightly larger and brighter than usual. December’s Cold Moon will be the third straight supermoon of the year and also the last one of 2025.
The Moon will reach its peak brightness of about 99.8% at 04:15 am PST on December 5. In Pakistan, the nearly full Moon, about 99.2% illuminated, will rise at 4:58 pm on December 4, giving skywatchers a full night to enjoy the view.
Although it is slightly less “super” than the November supermoon, the December event is still notable. In November, the Earth–Moon distance was 356,978 km. For the December 4–5 supermoon, the distance will be 357,218 km. As a result, the Cold Moon will appear around 7.9% larger and 15% brighter than an average full Moon.
Supermoons typically occur three to four times a year, depending on how closely the Moon’s full phase aligns with perigee. While the change in size may be subtle to the naked eye, the event is still of scientific interest and a treat for skywatchers.
Suparco has encouraged astronomy enthusiasts, students, families, and the general public to take some time to observe the supermoon. No telescopes or special equipment are needed; clear skies are the only requirement to enjoy this natural spectacle.
