As 2025 draws to a close, skywatchers in Pakistan are set to witness the final supermoon of the year. The December full moon—popularly known as the Cold Moon—will shine at its brightest around 4:15 a.m. PST on Friday, according to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
Peak Brightness and Viewing Time in Pakistan
A supermoon occurs when the full moon reaches its closest point to Earth, known as perigee, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. This Cold Moon is the third and last supermoon of 2025, glowing at nearly 99.8% illumination during its peak at 4:15 a.m. on December 5.
Residents across Pakistan can start enjoying the view earlier. The nearly full moon—about 99.2% illuminated—will rise at 4:58 p.m. PST on December 4 (Thursday). This offers skywatchers a long, clear night to experience the glowing lunar spectacle.
The supermoon will be visible throughout most of the country, except in areas experiencing heavy cloud cover.
How This Supermoon Compares to November’s Event
While December’s supermoon may not be as striking as the one seen in November, it still promises an impressive display. On November 5, the Earth–Moon distance measured 356,978 km, whereas the upcoming supermoon will be slightly farther at 357,218 km.
Despite the minor difference, December’s Cold Moon will still appear roughly 7.9% larger and 15% brighter than an average full moon.
Supermoons occur three to four times a year, depending on how closely the full moon aligns with perigee. Although the size difference can be subtle to the naked eye, rare close alignments continue to fascinate astronomers and sky enthusiasts alike.
