Supermoons occur three to four times a year, depending on how closely the full moon aligns with perigee
The first supermoon of the year, known as the Harvest Moon, rises in Karachi, Pakistan October 7, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has announced that the last supermoon of 2025 – known as the Cold Moon – will be visible across Pakistan between the nights of December 4 and 5. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, known as perigee, in its elliptical orbit. This proximity makes the moon appear slightly larger and brighter than a regular full moon.
December’s cold moon is the third and final supermoon of 2025. It will reach a peak illumination of about 99.8% at 4:15 a.m. PST on December 5th. In Pakistan, the nearly full moon (99.2% illuminated) will rise at 4:58 p.m. PST on December 4, giving skywatchers the chance to enjoy the spectacle all night long.
Although a little less “super” than November’s event, this supermoon remains remarkable. On November 5, the distance between the Earth and the Moon was 356,978 km, while on the night of December 4-5 it will be 357,218 km, making December’s full moon appear about 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 full moon lines up with perigee. Although the difference is subtle to the naked eye, unusually close alignments — producing the largest and brightest supermoons — are rare and scientifically significant.
SUPARCO has encouraged the public, astronomy enthusiasts, students and families to observe this natural phenomenon. No special equipment is needed and the supermoon will be clearly visible to the naked eye, provided the sky is clear.
