New Delhi: It will be a spectacular week in the eyes of the skywatchers in India. The Moon will be in front of the Pleiades star cluster on December 3, 2025, and it will produce a rare lunar occultation at the time and can be seen in many regions of the world. It will be succeeded by the final supermoon of 2025 on December 4, the Cold Moon. The Moon will be brighter and larger than normal, giving the observers a magnificent view.
Astronomy lovers are advised to look into open and clear skies. It will be better to look at the areas where there is less light pollution. The moon will be seen during the night until the early morning of December 5.
A rare celestial combination
The lunar occultation of the Pleiades is a temporary blockage of the sight of the bright star cluster by the Moon. Both amateur and professional astronomers around the world are attracted by this phenomenon. It ushers in the Cold Supermoon that will be at its brightest on December 4, 2025.
Key timings:
- Pleiades lunar occultation: 3 December 2025.
- Full Cold Supermoon high: 4 December 2025, 6:14 p.m. ET.
- Best viewing time: The best viewing time is soon after moonrise on 4 December.
Why it’s called the Cold Moon
The full moon of December is commonly known as the Cold Moon because of dark winter days and the drop in temperature. The Cold Moon of this year is also a supermoon, which is the time that the Moon is nearest to the Earth in its orbit. Consequently, it will be brighter and bigger than a normal full moon.
Best time and how to watch
To see the Moon effectively, the viewers would want to observe it soon after moonrise on December 4. Taking place on the horizon, it will seem exceptionally large because of the so-called moon illusion. An eastern horizon view will be the most dramatic. Accurate times of certain cities may be found with the help of moonrise calculators.
Viewing in India
The most appropriate opportunity to observe the Cold Moon in India is at night. The sky and the light pollution should be clear and low to achieve the maximum effect. The enthusiasts are encouraged to seek high or open places to capture this peculiar lunar view.