Skywatchers are set for a spectacular sight tonight as the last supermoon of 2025 rises over Australia. Known as the cold moon, this striking lunar event will appear brighter and slightly larger than usual thanks to its close pass to Earth — and this year, it also coincides with the Full Moon in Gemini, adding an astrological twist for those who enjoy star-aligned meaning.
When to See the Cold Supermoon
The cold supermoon will rise on Friday, 5 December, shortly after sunset. Here are the predicted moonrise times across major Australian cities:
Sydney – 8:35pm
Melbourne – 9:16pm
Brisbane – 7:07pm
Perth – 7:57pm
Canberra – 8:49pm
Adelaide – 9:02pm
Darwin – 7:31pm
Hobart – 9:28pm
For the best view, choose a location with an unobstructed eastern horizon and minimal light pollution.
What Makes a Supermoon Super?
A supermoon occurs when a full moon reaches the closest point in its orbit to Earth, known as perigee. Because the Moon’s orbit is slightly oval-shaped, some full moons sit closer than others.
When this happens, the moon can appear up to 14% larger and around 30% brighter than a standard full moon. The term “supermoon” was coined in 1979, although astronomers refer to it as a perigee syzygy.
Why Is It Called the Cold Moon?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the December full moon traditionally marks the beginning of winter and falls close to the winter solstice, earning the name cold moon. It has also been known as the long night moon and the moon before Yule, names rooted in ancient seasonal traditions.
Astrology Spotlight: The Full Moon in Gemini
For astrology enthusiasts, tonight’s supermoon marks a Full Moon in Gemini, adding an extra layer of energy and meaning to the event. Gemini is associated with communication, curiosity, social connection, and fast-moving ideas.
A Full Moon in this sign is often seen as a time of revelations, important conversations, heightened awareness, and decisions that can no longer be avoided. With the supermoon amplifying everything, this one may feel especially mentally stimulating or expressive — perfect for journaling, planning, or simply noticing what rises to the surface.
When Is the Next Supermoon?
If you miss this one, the next supermoon — the wolf moon — appears on 3 January, followed by two more in 2026.
How to Photograph the Cold Supermoon on Your Phone
Whether you’re capturing it on an iPhone or Samsung device, the right settings can make all the difference.
iPhone Photography Tips
Lower the Exposure: Open Camera → tap and hold the moon until AE/AF LOCK appears → slide down to reduce brightness.
Use Optical Zoom: Stick to 2x or 3x to avoid grain.
Stabilise Your Shot: Lean the phone on a stable surface or use a tripod → set a 3-second timer.
Adjust or Disable Night Mode: Shorten Night Mode exposure or turn it off if the moon looks too bright.
Photograph the Moon at Moonrise: A low horizon moon appears larger and warmer in colour, giving you more dramatic shots.
Samsung Photography Tips
Enable Scene Optimiser: Camera → Settings → Scene Optimiser. This helps detect and sharpen the moon.
Use Pro Mode for More Control: ISO 50–200, shutter speed 1/250–1/500, manual focus to the far right.
Use Space Zoom Wisely: Start at 10x → go to 20–30x if steady or using a tripod → avoid 50–100x handheld.
Stabilise the Device: Rest it on a rail or tripod → use a 2–3 second timer.
Capture the Moonrise: You’ll get richer colours and better composition opportunities with foreground detail.
Tonight’s cold supermoon is not just a visual highlight — it’s a blend of astronomy, tradition and, with the Full Moon in Gemini, a touch of cosmic symbolism. Whether you’re watching for the science, the spectacle, or the energy of the moment, take a few minutes to look up and enjoy this rare, brilliant lunar show. And with the right phone settings, you can capture the moment beautifully to remember long after the moon has set.
