There’s something undeniably magical about a supermoon illuminating the night sky, drawing people together in awe of nature’s wonders. As we prepare to witness the last of three supermoons this autumn, this story highlights both the beauty of our celestial neighbor and the deep cultural connections it inspires.

This evening, the heavens will gift us a spectacular sight—the final supermoon of 2025 will rise just after 5:00 PM. Depending on where you are in the eastern United States, you might catch it gracing the twilight skies, appearing both breathtaking and larger than ever on the horizon.

So, what exactly makes a supermoon so special? It happens when the Moon is at perigee—the closest point in its elliptical orbit around Earth. In contrast, when it’s at its farthest, we refer to it as apogee. When a full moon coincides with its perigee, it becomes a supermoon, shining approximately 8% larger than a typical full moon, and 14% larger than a micromoon, which occurs at apogee.

But wait, there’s more! When the Moon nears the horizon, it can appear even more majestic due to an optical illusion, making it seem bigger and more luminous. Such moments capture hearts and imaginations, reminding us of the beauty that surrounds us.

This evening’s full moon at perigee will also play a role in nature’s rhythm, causing higher tides known as perigean spring tides or “king tides,” particularly along coastlines. The Old Farmer’s Almanac notes these occurrences, enhancing our connection to the cycles of nature.

The December full moon has a few names among various cultures; it’s commonly known as the “Cold Moon.” The Mohawk people celebrated it as a time of frost, while the Mohican tribe dubbed it the “Long Knight Moon” in honor of the winter solstice. Each name carries heartwarming stories about the changing seasons—like deer shedding their antlers or the cracking of ice as nature shifts.

So, grab your loved ones, bundle up, and head outside to marvel at the beauty above. Tonight, let’s embrace the spirit of togetherness, wonder, and gratitude as we gaze at the stunning supermoon lighting up our world.

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