Astronomers from international observatories announce the supermoon phenomenon for this Thursday, December 4, 2025, marking the last event of its kind this year. The alignment occurs when the full moon reaches perigee, its closest point to Terra, around 357 thousand kilometers away. Essa configuration makes the natural satellite appear 14% larger and 30% brighter compared to an ordinary full moon.
Observation will be possible in several countries, including Brasil, where the moonrise takes place shortly after sunset, around 6pm in São Paulo. Especialistas recommend locations with a horizon free of obstructions to capture the full visual effect. The event coincides with the cold moon, the traditional name associated with the winter period in Hemisfério Norte.
According to calculations by Nasa, this supermoon represents the third consecutive one in 2025, after occurrences in October and November. Orbital proximity explains the increase in luminosity, which can interfere with subsequent events such as meteor showers.
Origin of the phenomenon
The term supermoon emerged in 1979, created by astrologer Richard Nolle to describe the full moon at perigee or 90% of that proximity. Astrônomos professionals avoid the term due to a lack of rigorous scientific basis, preferring to refer to the moon’s elliptical orbital alignment.
This orbit takes 27 days to complete one cycle, with the perigee varying in distance throughout the year. In 2025, the December event records 357,219 km, a value close to that of November, but with peak lighting at 6:14 pm at the time of Costa Leste of Estados Unidos.
The phenomenon occurs three to four times annually, always in sequence, due to the synchrony between lunar phases and orbital points. Dados of Observatório Nacional confirm that visibility remains for three days, with the peak on the night of December 4th to 5th.
Full Moon Cultural Names
Indigenous traditions attribute the name cold moon to the month of December, reflecting the beginning of low temperatures in Hemisfério Norte. Povos mohawk associate the term with the cold conditions that set in at that time.
In Hemisfério Sul, as in Brasil, the event gains nicknames such as strawberry moon or oak moon, linked to agricultural and seasonal cycles. Culturas Chinese people call it the bitter moon, while Cherokee people prefer the snow moon.
These names vary by region and highlight the human connection to lunar cycles over centuries. Registros histories show that similar observations date back to ancient civilizations, used for calendars and navigation.
The diversity of denominations enriches the global understanding of the event, without altering the underlying astronomical facts.
How to prepare the observation
Choose an elevated or flat location with a clear view to the east, where the moon rises after dusk. Evite urban areas with light pollution, which reduces visual contrast.
Binoculars or simple telescopes magnify lunar craters and maria, revealing details like the Oceano of the Tempestades. Astronomy Aplicativos, like Star Walk, gives exact times by local time zone.
- Check the weather: Clean Céus maximize visibility, especially in coastal regions.
- Ideal times: No Brasil, peak between 6pm and 10pm; in the US, after 6:14 pm ET.
- Optional equipment: Tripé for long exposure photos.
- Safety tips: Nunca look directly at the sun during alignments.
These measures ensure an accessible experience for amateurs and families.
Practical tips from the experts
Professional photographers suggest camera settings with low ISO and wide aperture to capture brightness without saturation. Exposições of 1/125 second avoids blurring on handheld.
Experienced observers note that the lunar illusion effect makes the supermoon appear even larger near the horizon, interacting with silhouettes of mountains or buildings. Essa optical perspective lasts about 30 minutes after birth.
In tropical regions, such as the Brazilian Nordeste, humidity can soften the contour, but increases the halo around the lunar disk. Especialistas of Observatório Nacional recommend recording the event in a diary for future comparisons.
Associated events in December
December’s supermoon precedes the Geminid meteor shower, which peaks between December 13 and 14. The lunar glow can attenuate weak meteors, but favors the most intense ones, originating from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon.
Another highlight is the maximum elongation of Mercúrio on December 7, when the planet appears visible at sunset, 21 degrees from Sol. Telescópios reveal its growing phase.
Comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar visitor, reaches perihelion on December 19, allowing observations in both hemispheres with medium equipment.
- Geminids: Até 120 meteors per hour in ideal conditions.
- Mercury: Melhor vision in evening twilight.
- Comet ATLAS: Magnitude 8, requires dark skies.
These alignments make December a rich month for amateur astronomers.
Visibility by region
In Brasil, capitals such as Rio of Janeiro and Brasília offer good observation points in national parks. Sunrise occurs at 5:28 pm in Recife, adjusted to the local time zone.
At Estados Unidos, Costa Leste sees the peak at 6:14 pm ET, with cold skies favoring clarity. Regiões of Meio-Oeste face clouds, but the West promises unobstructed views.
Europe and Ásia record the event in morning times, with Londres at 23:14 GMT. Fatores as latitude influences the height of the moon in the sky, highest at the equator.
Reports from global observers indicate that 70% of annual supermoons are visible without optical aids.
Influence on tide and environment
Lunar proximity intensifies high tides by up to 20% in oceans, affecting coastal navigation. Portos monitor levels to prevent flooding in vulnerable areas.
Ecological studies show that extra brightness influences nocturnal hunting patterns in migratory birds. Espécies how owls adjust foraging routines during these events.
Farmers in rural areas use light to harvest at night, a tradition maintained in indigenous communities. Dados from Nasa confirm minimal variation in earthquakes, despite popular myths.
The phenomenon reinforces the importance of continuous environmental monitoring.
Recent history of supermoons
In 2024, four supermoons occurred from August to November, with the one in September registering 356 thousand km in distance. Comparações annuals show 14-month cycles for maximum sequences.
Photographic records from 2025 highlight November as the largest, at 356,980 km. December’s, although slightly further away, benefits from longer nights closer to the solstice.
Observatories like the one at Greenwich have kept archives since the 18th century, documenting orbital variations. Avanços in artificial satellites refine predictions for future years.
Preparation for 2026
The next supermoon begins in January 2026, with the wolf moon on January 3. Sequências similar products promise visibility in February and March.
Astronomical calendars already list alignments, including partial eclipses. Updated Aplicativos facilitates personalized alerts by location.
Enthusiasts plan community events, such as park vigils, to engage young audiences. Educational Iniciativas integrates the topic into science classes.
This continuity ensures democratic access to amateur astronomy.