December’s Lua Cheia, known as Lua Fria, reaches the supermoon stage this Thursday, December 4, 2025. The phenomenon will be visible around the world from sunset, when Lua rises on the eastern horizon. Peak full moon occurs at 6:14 pm Eastern Time (Estados Unidos) (8:14 pm Eastern Time).
The satellite will be 100% illuminated and approximately 7% larger and 15% brighter than a common Lua Cheia, as it is close to perigee, the closest point to the Terra in its elliptical orbit. Este is the last event of its kind in 2025 and the third in a sequence of four consecutive supermoons.
- Peak time: 8:14 pm (Brasília time)
- Best time to observe: around midnight, when Lua reaches its highest point in the sky
- Visibility: clear sky anywhere on the planet, no need for binoculars or zero telescope
What makes this Lua a supermoon
NASA classifies as a supermoon every Lua Cheia that occurs within 90% of the minimum distance from Terra. In December 2025, Lua will be approximately 361 thousand kilometers from our planet at the moment of the full moon.
This alignment makes the lunar disk appear larger and brighter. The phenomenon only happens three or four times a year, making each event special for skywatchers.
Origin of the name Lua Fria
The name Lua Fria has its origins in North American indigenous and European colonial traditions, according to Farmer’s Almanac. Dezembro marks the beginning of the harsh winter in Hemisfério Norte, a period of lower temperatures.
Lua is also called Lua from Longa Noite among some tribes, as it appears close to the winter solstice, when the nights are the longest of the year. Outras cultures call her Lua from Gelo or Lua Antes from Natal.
How to observe the phenomenon this Thursday
Lua begins to rise in the east shortly after sunset. The best time for photos and contemplation is between 8pm and 1am, when the satellite is high and free from excessive light pollution.
Locations away from urban centers offer clearer vision. Não Special equipment is required, but binoculars highlight details of the lunar surface.
Upcoming supermoons on the calendar
This is the last supermoon of 2025. The sequence of four consecutive events ends only in January 2026, with new Lua Cheia close to perigee.
After that, the next cycle of supermoons is predicted for the second half of 2026. Astronomers follow these approaches to study tides and orbital behavior.
Curiosities about the Lua of December
The Lua Fria of 2025 coincides with the holiday season in many cultures. In previous years, the phenomenon has already been recorded on famous monuments, such as Empire State Building, in Nova York.
The supermoon’s extra brightness makes night hiking and amateur astronomical photography easier. Especialistas recommend protecting your eyes and avoiding looking directly at Sol if there is an associated partial eclipse, which does not occur this time.
Practical tips for registering Lua Cheia
Use a tripod and long exposure time on cameras or cell phones with night mode. The proximity of perigee creates the effect known as the “lunar illusion”, when Lua appears gigantic close to the horizon.
Astronomy apps help you identify constellations around you. The phenomenon remains visible until dawn on Friday, December 5th.
