December’s Lua Cheia, known as Lua Fria or Cold Moon, reached its peak on December 4, 2025 and was officially the last supermoon of the year. The phenomenon occurred when Lua is at perigee less than 12 hours from the moment of full moon, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a common full moon.
The event coincided with historic anniversaries of the Apollo 8 and Apollo 17 missions and occurred just before the peak of the Geminidas and Ursidas meteor showers, creating a rare astronomical combination in late 2025.
Characteristics of the December supermoon
Lua reached the closest point to Terra at 11:14 UTC on December 4, just 11 hours and 40 minutes before the full moon, at 22:54 UTC. Essa proximity guaranteed classification as a supermoon.
In the northern hemisphere, Lua Fria followed a high trajectory in the sky, similar to Sol in June, remaining visible for longer and with greater clarity thanks to the dry winter air.
Traditional names for December Lua
Various indigenous cultures from América to Norte assign specific names to December’s Lua Cheia, linked to the season’s climatic conditions.
- Moon Fria (Cold Moon) – reference to low temperatures
- Moon of Gelo Longo (Long Night Moon) – as it occurs close to the winter solstice
- Moon of Neve (Snow Moon) – nomination Cherokee
- Moon that Faz or Inverno (Winter Maker Moon) – tradition Abenaki
Connection to Apollo missions and future of lunar exploration
The 2025 supermoon gained historical weight by occurring close to two landmark dates in the Apollo era.
The Apollo 17 mission, the last to take humans to the lunar surface, turned 53 years old on December 7, 2025. Já to Apollo 8, the first manned trip around Lua and responsible for the famous photo
NASA is preparing the Artemis II mission for the first half of 2026, which will take four astronauts into lunar orbit for the first time since 1972.
Meteor showers take advantage of dark skies after Lua Cheia
Two important meteor showers in December gain favorable conditions shortly after the full moon.
The Geminidas peaks between December 13th and 14th, with a zenith hourly rate of up to 120 meteors in dark places and a waning Lua of just 30%.
The less intense Ursidas reach maximum activity on the 21st and 22nd of December, with a new Lua of just 3% illumination, ideal for observation in the northern hemisphere.
Differentiated visibility between hemispheres
The trajectory of Lua varies significantly depending on the observer’s latitude.
In the northern hemisphere, December’s Lua rises high and remains for hours above the horizon, facilitating photos and observation with the naked eye.
In the southern hemisphere, where summer begins, Lua follows a low path, similar to Sol in winter, remaining visible for less time and with a lower maximum altitude.
How to observe upcoming celestial events
The December phenomena still hold good opportunities for those who enjoy amateur astronomy.
For Geminidas, the best time will be after midnight from December 13th to 14th, looking towards the constellation of Gêmeos.
The Ursidas require cold dawns on the 21st and 22nd, with a radiant close to the star Kochab, in the constellation of Ursa Menor.