December supermoon: A celestial showstopper we won't see again until 2042
The last full moon of the year will be larger and brighter than usual, visible from Spain on the night of December 4-5
Star gazers are in for a treat this week as the final full moon of the year puts on a spectacular show. The December supermoon will light up the night sky from Friday December 4 into the early hours of Saturday December 5, appearing noticeably larger and brighter than your average full moon.
What makes this one really special is that we won't see anything quite like it again until 2042, so it's definitely worth staying up for.
The moon earns its "super" status when it reaches its full phase while sitting at perigee, which is the closest point in its orbit around Earth. This cosmic timing makes our lunar companion look dramatically more impressive from down here on the ground. The moon will hit its full phase at 5.14pm on Thursday December 4, perfectly coinciding with its nearest approach to our planet.
Native American peoples traditionally called this the Cold Moon or Long Nights Moon, names that marked the arrival of the year's harshest temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere and the official start of winter. It's a fitting name for those of us watching the skies as the year winds down, especially since meteorological winter has just begun in Spain.
The absolute best moment to catch this celestial spectacle will be from 12.15am on December 5, and the good news is it'll be visible right across the planet. For the most stunning views, you'll want to get yourself away from street lights and city glow. Look towards the west, where the moon will be at its most brilliant during moonrise and moonset.
This marks the final supermoon of 2025 and one of the standout events in the year-end lunar calendar. If you miss it, you'll be waiting quite a while for the next one of this magnitude.
For those keeping track of the moon's movements during December, here are the other key phases to watch out for. The waning crescent arrives on Thursday December 11 at 2.51pm, followed by the new moon on Friday December 19 at 7.43pm. The cycle wraps up with the first quarter moon on Saturday December 27 at 1.09pm.
Each phase happens at a precise moment, determined by where the moon, sun and Earth are positioned relative to each other.
In other news: Flu reaches epidemic levels in Spain
Image: Freepik
Address
Casas del Puente 3, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain, 30397Tel: +34 623 140 902
The Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation has star-themed events and activities to delight novices and experts of all ages
Astronomy Tours runs a whole host of astronomical activities and events in the Murcia Region, from astronomical observation sessions to a magical cruise under the stars, to really fire up an interest in the cosmic world beyond our atmosphere.
Their main base of operations is the Finca Astronomica, located close to the town of La Aljorra in the Campo de Cartagena, where you can join their astronomy tours either in the daytime or at night, all year round.
At the Finca, you’re welcomed with delicious food, drinks, a bonfire and a variety of astronomical tools and gadgets. In the summer season, they also have tours in other locations, including San Pedro del Pinatar, La Manga and Camposol, not to mention their unmissable cruise under the stars, which involves a nighttime cruise on the Mar Menor with tapas and drinks, plus a guided presentation of the night sky as you watch the galaxy glide by.
The Astronomy Tours and the Finca Astronomica are supported by the Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation, which was founded in 2019 by a group of astronomers and Starlight-certified guides and monitors in the astronomical observatories in Spain.The purpose of the Foundation is to promote the knowledge and interest in the field of astronomy and astronomy-related sciences, which covers areas such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, but also history, archeology, urban and medical aspects of social life, literature, art, culture and (of course) astrology.
By promoting this knowledge and getting their customers interested in astronomy, the Foundation hopes to achieve higher goals such as bringing the stars a little closer to people, and helping them to understand the importance of caring about our planet and the whole human population as a one.
To achieve those goals, the Foundation organises its day- and nighttime activities and camps which are suitable for both children and adults, and as well as this they work with 
schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.
schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.As part of this mission, they’re creating an astronomically themed park right on the Costa Cálida called the Astronomy and Science Centre which has an observatory available to the public to see the stars and the planets, and where they also promote ecofriendly and sustainable activities and closeness to nature.
The Finca Astronomica even has its own friendly and well cared for animals which live in really big spaces where people can easily enter and interact with them in their own environment.
What’s more, you can get involved in all sorts of other fun and activities for all the family at the Finca Astronomica, including glamping under the stars, stroking the animals at their petting zoo and enjoying sports like darts, archery, nerf gun fights, and many more.
This year, Finca Astronomica is excited to unveil its very own Yurt Village. Alongside the beautifully crafted wooden glamping pods, the yurts combine traditional charm with all the modern comforts including double beds, cosy carpets and plenty of shelving for your personal belongings.
But that’s not all. Each yurt comes handily equipped with light and electricity, so that you can charge your devices even as you recharge your spirit under the vast, starry sky.
This summer season is about to come alive with regular tours happening three days a week, while Adult Only Fridays are just around the corner.
Tours are available in English, Spanish and Polish.
