Skywatchers across the UK are in for a celestial treat tonight as the Cold Moon, the final supermoon of 2025, ascends into the evening sky. This spectacular full moon will appear larger and more luminous than a typical full moon, offering a brilliant farewell to the year's supermoon series.
When and Where to See the Cold Moon
The lunar spectacle will be visible from sunset on Thursday, 4 December 2025, remaining in view until moonset on Friday morning. For observers in the United Kingdom, the moon should become visible from around 2:30 pm on Thursday and linger until approximately 9:00 am on Friday, though precise timings depend on your specific location.
Clear skies are essential for optimal viewing, a condition not guaranteed nationwide. Forecasts indicate cloud and rain are likely in parts of Northern England and Scotland. However, there is promising news for Birmingham: the Met Office predicts clear skies tonight, which should persist until around 3:00 am, providing a prime window for local stargazers.
The Significance of the Final Supermoon
Tonight's display is particularly special as it marks the last supermoon of the year. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon's perigee—its closest orbital point to Earth. This proximity makes the lunar disc seem significantly bigger and brighter in our night sky.
The Cold Moon is traditionally the name given to the full moon closest to the Winter Solstice, heralding the official start of the winter season. It concludes a run of three consecutive supermoons in 2025, which began with October's Harvest Moon and continued with November's Beaver Moon.
What Comes Next in the Night Sky
After the Cold Moon fades, enthusiasts won't have to wait long for the next supermoon event. The Wolf Moon is scheduled to grace the skies on Saturday, 3 January 2026. Supermoons are a regular feature, typically visible three or four times annually due to the moon's oval-shaped, ever-changing orbit around our planet.
So, if you're in Birmingham or elsewhere under a clear sky tonight, be sure to look up and witness the magnificent, enlarged glow of the year's final supermoon.
