Supermoon to Shine Bright Over Northern California in 2025

Catch the last supermoon of the year on December 4th, but some question if the phenomenon lives up to the hype.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:05am

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An abstract painting in soft, flat colors depicting sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, representing the complex orbital forces that create a supermoon.An abstract visualization of the celestial mechanics behind a supermoon, a rare and visually striking astronomical event.Fairfield Today

The final supermoon of 2025 will rise over Northern California on Thursday, December 4th, offering stargazers a chance to witness the moon at its closest and brightest. While supermoons are celebrated for their visual impact, some astronomers debate whether the difference in size is truly noticeable to the naked eye or if it's more hype than science.

Why it matters

Supermoons are a popular astronomical event that captivates the public, but their significance is debated within the scientific community. Understanding the facts and dispelling misconceptions around supermoons can help provide context for this celestial phenomenon.

The details

The full Cold Moon, which is also the final supermoon of 2025, will reach its peak at 3:14 PM PST on Thursday, December 4th. Across Northern California, clear skies are expected to provide good viewing conditions, though dense fog in the valley could obstruct visibility. Supermoons occur when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, known as perigee, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a regular full moon.

  • The full Cold Moon will reach its peak at 3:14 PM PST on Thursday, December 4th, 2025.
  • This is the third and final supermoon of 2025, following the ones in October and November.

The players

Northern California

The region of California north of the San Francisco Bay Area, where the supermoon will be visible.

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The takeaway

The upcoming supermoon in Northern California is a chance for stargazers to witness a celestial event, but it also highlights the ongoing debate within the scientific community about the significance and impact of supermoons. Understanding the facts and different perspectives can help provide a more nuanced understanding of this phenomenon.