NATIONAL NEWS - We’re in for a celestial treat as the final supermoon of 2025 graces the night sky this week.
Zululand Observer reports that, on Thursday, the moon will shine as the brightest object overhead, offering a broad viewing window for skywatchers across South Africa.
What is a supermoon?
A full moon is dubbed a supermoon when it occurs near perigee, the moon’s closest point to Earth.
At this distance, Nasa notes that the lunar disk can appear 14% larger and up to 33% brighter than a full moon seen at its farthest point, known as apogee.
What is this supermoon?
This final supermoon is known as the Springbok Moon in South Africa, but the Cold Moon in the northern hemisphere. It marks the end of the 2025 supermoon season.
Supermoons tend to arrive in clusters owing to the moon’s slightly oval orbit, which brings it closer to Earth at certain times of the year.
When this coincides with the full moon phase, we get the dramatic, oversized lunar view that makes supermoons so memorable.
The Springbok Moon or Cold Moon will reach its peak brightness on Thursday night, remaining visible throughout the night in South Africa.
Even if clouds roll in, the moon will appear more than 90% full between 2 and 6 December, ensuring plenty of opportunities to witness it.
How to view the supermoon
No telescope is required to enjoy the spectacle; simply step outside after sunset, find an open horizon, and, if you like, bring a pair of binoculars to pick out the moon’s craters and ridges.
Regardless of where you are on Earth, you’ll see the same phase of the moon.
However, observers in the northern and southern hemispheres see the moon orientated differently with respect to the horizon.
Don’t miss out on seeing nature in all its glory on Thursday!
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