The last supermoon of 2025 reaches its maximum point this Thursday (4), when the full Lua coincides with perigee, the closest point to Terra in its elliptical orbit. The phenomenon makes the satellite up to 10% larger and significantly brighter than an ordinary full moon. The peak occurs at 8:13 pm at Brasília time, but the ideal observation takes place just after sunset, when Lua rises on the eastern horizon.
The satellite will be approximately 27,300 kilometers closer to the planet than average. Especialistas define a supermoon as a full or new moon that occurs up to 360 thousand kilometers from Terra, although some consider it only when the perigee coincides almost exactly with the full phase.
Lua sunrise times in the main capitals
Hours vary depending on geographic location. Em São Paulo, the sunrise of Lua is scheduled for 6:43 pm. No Rio of Janeiro, the phenomenon begins at 6:27 pm.
- Belo Horizonte: 6:26 p.m.
- Brasilia: 6:41 pm
- Port Alegre: 7:07 p.m.
- Salvador: 17:58
- Recife: 5:51 pm
- Manaus: 6:49 pm
Visibility depends on local weather conditions.
Lunar illusion amplifies size perception
Lua appears even larger when it is close to the horizon due to the lunar illusion. Esse optical effect makes the human brain interpret objects low in the sky as more distant and therefore larger. The phenomenon has no fully consensual scientific explanation to date.
The yellowish or orange coloration also appears at the beginning of the night. Lunar light passes through the thickest layer of the Earth’s atmosphere, dispersing blue tones and letting reds and yellows predominate. Conforme to Lua rises, the hue becomes whiter.
Technical characteristics of the December perigee
The exact distance between Terra and Lua on this supermoon will be about 357 thousand kilometers. The lunar orbit is elliptical, with an average variation of 50 thousand kilometers between perigee and apogee. Essa proximity increases brightness by up to 30% compared to the full moon at the furthest point.
The event marks the fourth and final perigee-full moon of 2025. Previous supermoons have occurred in August, September and October. The sequence ended with December’s call Lua Fria, the traditional name used in Hemisfério Norte.
Practical tips for better observation
Elevated locations away from urban centers offer better conditions. Light pollution reduces the contrast between the Lua and the sky. Binóculos or simple telescopes allow you to see details of the lunar surface, such as craters and seas.
No special equipment is needed to appreciate the larger apparent size. Observation with the naked eye already shows a significant difference in relation to common full moons. The effect is most noticeable in the first few hours after birth.
Upcoming supermoons on the astronomical calendar
The year 2026 will have three confirmed supermoons. The first takes place on January 3, just two weeks after the current one. Depois there is a longer interval until November 24th.
The last one for next year is scheduled for December 24, 2026. Events continue to follow the orbital cycle of approximately 27.3 days to return to perigee. The exact coincidence with the full phase varies from year to year.
Difference Between Supermoon Definitions
Astronomers still disagree about the term supermoon. Parte of the scientific community accepts when the full moon occurs within 90% of perigee. Outra portion only considers distances of less than 360 thousand kilometers.
The concept has gained popularity in recent years as a way to bring astronomy closer to the general public. Apesar Despite technical divergences, the phenomenon maintains visible characteristics that justify global attention.
