ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national space agency said the year’s final supermoon, known as the Cold Moon, will be visible tonight, Thursday, marking the last of three supermoon events in 2025.
The nearly full lunar disc is expected to rise at 4:58 p.m. Pakistan time, reaching peak brightness at 4:15 a.m. on Dec. 5, according to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). With clear skies, the sighting will be visible to the naked eye across the country.
A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest point to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee, causing it to appear slightly larger and brighter than usual.
“On the night of Dec. 4–5, the distance will be 357,218 km, making December’s full Moon appear approximately 7.9 percent larger and 15 percent brighter than an average full moon,” SUPARCO said, adding that while the visual difference is subtle, such close alignment is scientifically notable.
The December full moon is traditionally called the Cold Moon due to its appearance in the Northern Hemisphere’s winter season.
SUPARCO encouraged astronomy enthusiasts, families and students to observe the event, noting that no special optical gear is required.
The brightest supermoon of the year occurred earlier on Nov. 5, when the Moon came slightly closer at 356,978 km.
Pakistan’s space agency said 2025 has been one of the most favorable years for sky-watchers in South Asia, with multiple clear viewing windows and high illumination.
