As the chill of December settles in and the days grow shorter, the night sky gifts us with one of its most poetic spectacles: the Cold Moon. Tonight, on December 4, 2025, the full Moon reaches its peak illumination at 14:48 UTC, casting a silvery glow that feels both comforting and haunting against the frosty backdrop of winter. Known also as the Frost Moon or Winter Moon, this celestial event isn't just a pretty sight—it's a timeless marker of seasonal transition, steeped in history and wonder. If you're bundling up for an evening stargaze, here's everything you need to know about tonight's Cold Moon and why it's worth braving the cold for.
What Is the Cold Moon?
The term "Cold Moon" harks back to ancient traditions of naming full Moons after the rhythms of nature. As the 13th (or sometimes 12th, depending on the calendar) full Moon of the year, it signals the grip of winter's onset—the darkest, coldest months when frost blankets the ground and winds howl through bare trees. Unlike scientific labels, these nicknames, popularized by Native American tribes, colonial settlers, and early European farmers, tie lunar cycles to earthly changes. The Cold Moon doesn't alter the Moon's physical appearance; it's the same silvery orb we've admired for millennia. But in December's embrace, it feels profoundly different—brighter, bolder, and a beacon in the long nights.
Fun fact: This isn't just any full Moon. In 2025, it's the final supermoon of the year, meaning our satellite is at perigee (its closest point to Earth), appearing about 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full Moon. At around 356,500 kilometers away tonight, it's a cosmic close-up you won't want to miss.
A Glimpse into History and Cultural Lore
Long before streetlights and screens lit our nights, the Cold Moon was a lifeline. Imagine indigenous communities or early settlers navigating frozen landscapes under its glow—hunting, gathering, or simply finding solace in the darkness. The bright light pierced the winter gloom, offering safe passage after sunset and a sense of continuity amid the hardship.
While specific myths around the Cold Moon are sparse compared to, say, the Harvest Moon's bountiful tales, it embodies winter's dual spirit: harsh yet hopeful. In some folklore, it's a time for reflection, with the Moon's cold light inviting introspection as the year wanes. Closer to the solstice, it whispers of renewal—the promise of longer days post-December 21. And let's not forget its festive tie-in: rising just weeks before Christmas, the Cold Moon has inspired countless yuletide stories of snowy nights and midnight magic.
Tonight's Sky:> What to Look For on December 4 Step outside after sunset (around 4:30 PM local time in most of the US, depending on your timezone), and head east-northeast. The Cold Moon will climb steadily, starting low on the horizon where it often plays tricks on the eye. Ever notice how the rising Moon looks enormous? That's the "Moon illusion"—a psychological quirk making it seem three times bigger against earthly landmarks like trees or buildings. As it ascends, it may take on an orange or rusty hue from atmospheric scattering, evoking a harvest orb misplaced in winter.
But the real magic unfolds in the surrounding sky. Tonight's Cold Moon forms a striking celestial triangle with the sparkling Pleiades star cluster (the "Seven Sisters") and the fiery orange star Aldebaran in Taurus. High above, Jupiter shines like a steady lantern, while the mighty Orion the Hunter strides into view, belt and sword at the ready. If you're in the Northern Hemisphere, this lineup turns the eastern sky into a winter wonderland—perfect for myth-makers who saw Orion as a eternal chase across the stars.One caveat: The Moon's brilliance can wash out fainter deep-sky gems like galaxies or meteor trails. If you're chasing the Geminid meteor shower (peaking December 13-14), save that for later nights. For now, let the Cold Moon steal the show.
December Full Moon Names From Native American Tribes Kaitvitjuitk (Inuit). Cold Moon (Celtic). Night Moon (Taos). Respect Moon (Hopi). Bitter Moon (Chinese). Peach Moon (Choctaw). Twelfth Moon (Dakotah). Big Winter Moon (Creek) Real Goose Moon (Kiowa). Cold Time Moon (Mohawk). Ashes Fire Moon (San Juan). Oak Moon (Medieval English). Big Bear’s Moon (Winnebago). Long Night Moon (Neo-Pagan). Popping Trees Moon (Arapaho). Running Wolves Moon (Cheyenne). Frost Fish Moon (Passamaquoddy). Cold Moon, Long Nights Moon (Algonquin). Snow Moon, Before Yule Moon (Cherokee). Oak Moon : Full, : Snow Moon Dark (Janic). Popping Tress Moon, Deer Horn Shedding Moon (Sioux).
Other moon names : Wolf Moon, Turning Moon, Heavy Snow Moon, Aerra Geola, Under Burn Moon, Big Winter Moon, Winter Maker Moon, Yellow Leaves Moon, Little Finger Moon, Mid-Winter Moon, Wintermonat, Small Spirits Moon.
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What Is the Cold Moon?
The term "Cold Moon" harks back to ancient traditions of naming full Moons after the rhythms of nature. As the 13th (or sometimes 12th, depending on the calendar) full Moon of the year, it signals the grip of winter's onset—the darkest, coldest months when frost blankets the ground and winds howl through bare trees. Unlike scientific labels, these nicknames, popularized by Native American tribes, colonial settlers, and early European farmers, tie lunar cycles to earthly changes. The Cold Moon doesn't alter the Moon's physical appearance; it's the same silvery orb we've admired for millennia. But in December's embrace, it feels profoundly different—brighter, bolder, and a beacon in the long nights.
Fun fact: This isn't just any full Moon. In 2025, it's the final supermoon of the year, meaning our satellite is at perigee (its closest point to Earth), appearing about 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full Moon. At around 356,500 kilometers away tonight, it's a cosmic close-up you won't want to miss.
A Glimpse into History and Cultural Lore
Long before streetlights and screens lit our nights, the Cold Moon was a lifeline. Imagine indigenous communities or early settlers navigating frozen landscapes under its glow—hunting, gathering, or simply finding solace in the darkness. The bright light pierced the winter gloom, offering safe passage after sunset and a sense of continuity amid the hardship.
Tonight's Sky:> What to Look For on December 4 Step outside after sunset (around 4:30 PM local time in most of the US, depending on your timezone), and head east-northeast. The Cold Moon will climb steadily, starting low on the horizon where it often plays tricks on the eye. Ever notice how the rising Moon looks enormous? That's the "Moon illusion"—a psychological quirk making it seem three times bigger against earthly landmarks like trees or buildings. As it ascends, it may take on an orange or rusty hue from atmospheric scattering, evoking a harvest orb misplaced in winter.
But the real magic unfolds in the surrounding sky. Tonight's Cold Moon forms a striking celestial triangle with the sparkling Pleiades star cluster (the "Seven Sisters") and the fiery orange star Aldebaran in Taurus. High above, Jupiter shines like a steady lantern, while the mighty Orion the Hunter strides into view, belt and sword at the ready. If you're in the Northern Hemisphere, this lineup turns the eastern sky into a winter wonderland—perfect for myth-makers who saw Orion as a eternal chase across the stars.One caveat: The Moon's brilliance can wash out fainter deep-sky gems like galaxies or meteor trails. If you're chasing the Geminid meteor shower (peaking December 13-14), save that for later nights. For now, let the Cold Moon steal the show.
Other moon names : Wolf Moon, Turning Moon, Heavy Snow Moon, Aerra Geola, Under Burn Moon, Big Winter Moon, Winter Maker Moon, Yellow Leaves Moon, Little Finger Moon, Mid-Winter Moon, Wintermonat, Small Spirits Moon.
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