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Last Supermoon of 2025 Peaks Overnight as Moon Reaches Near-Perigee

Cloud cover in parts of Germany threatened views of a subtly larger, brighter full moon at near‑perigee.

Overview

  • The Moon reached perigee at about 12:09 UTC on December 4 at roughly 356,965 kilometers, with the full‑moon moment at 00:14 UTC on December 5 and visibility through the night where skies were clear.
  • Germany’s weather service and regional forecasts warned of widespread cloudiness, especially across Bavaria and the south, reducing chances for viewing in many areas.
  • A supermoon can appear up to about 14% larger and 30% brighter than a distant full moon, though the difference is subtle without comparison, and the “moon illusion” near the horizon often dominates perception.
  • Observers were advised to look near moonrise for the most dramatic scene and to note nearby sights including the Pleiades, Uranus with optical aid, and later Jupiter and Saturn.
  • Experts reported no convincing, consistent evidence that full moons affect sleep or mental health, and the next comparable supermoon for Germany is expected on December 24, 2026.