Attention stargazers! The final supermoon of the year is upon us, and it promises to be a spectacular sight.

Date and Timing

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — This Thursday, prepare to behold the last supermoon of 2025, a phenomenon that will make the moon appear up to 30% brighter and larger than normal. This will be the fourth supermoon of the year, marking a significant celestial event as it moves within about 362,500 kilometers of Earth. The full moon phase reaches its peak on Friday, but the best viewing will be just after sunset on Thursday.

Related Meteor Showers

Interestingly, this supermoon will rise just after the Taurid meteor shower has peaked, but before the Leonid meteor shower begins to show its activity, providing an excellent opportunity for stargazers to enjoy multiple astronomical spectacles!

Comparison with Earlier Supermoons

If you missed the supermoons earlier this year, you might be curious about how they stack up against each other. The August supermoon was the year's closest at 361,970 kilometers away, followed by September's at 357,486 kilometers, and October's at a mere 357,364 kilometers. Now, the upcoming November supermoon, despite being the furthest of the four at about 362,500 kilometers, still promises an impressive view.

What Makes a Supermoon Special?

So, what exactly makes a supermoon so 'super'? The term is more popular than scientific. It occurs when a full moon coincides with its perigee—the point at which the moon is closest to the Earth in its elliptical orbit. This remarkable alignment typically happens just a few times each year.

Visibility and Upcoming Events

For those who appreciate the nuances of astronomy, you may find that only the most meticulous observers can detect the subtle variations between a supermoon and an ordinary full moon. However, the brightness is a much more apparent change, making this an exciting event for anyone interested in the night sky.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, mark your calendars! In 2025, the next series of supermoons will kick off in October, continuing the cycle of these enchanting lunar events that have captivated humanity for centuries. With increased interest in lunar exploration—fueled by upcoming missions to the moon—now is the perfect time to reconnect with our celestial neighbor.

Final Thoughts

Don’t forget to grab your telescope, head outside, and enjoy the breathtaking view of this celestial marvel before it slips away!