Moon photo, March 2024, Jon Tupper
FORT MCMURRAY — The final full moon of 2025 will put on its brightest and highest show of the year this week, offering skywatchers across Fort McMurray a clear view of December’s Cold Supermoon.
The full moon reaches peak illumination at 6:14 p.m. ET Thursday. Local observers will see it rise over the eastern horizon shortly after sunset, appearing larger and brighter than usual because it occurs near the moon’s closest point to Earth.
Richard Covey, a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and a published astrophotographer, said the timing is ideal for northern Alberta. “Fort McMurray always gets an exceptional view of December’s full moon because it climbs so high above the horizon,” he said. “This is the best time of year to watch the moon dominate the sky. The air is cold and stable, and the moonlight reflects beautifully off the snow.”
This will be the last in a series of supermoons this year. Supermoons occur when a full moon closely aligns with perigee, making it appear brighter and slightly larger than average. Covey said most people may not immediately notice the size difference but will see an obvious boost in brightness.
“The Cold Supermoon can shine up to 16 percent brighter than a typical full moon,” he said. “If you are out on a trail or near the river valley, you will see the landscape lit up almost like twilight.”
With the winter solstice approaching on Dec. 21, the sun sits at its lowest point in the sky. The full moon, which rises opposite the sun, reaches its highest arc of the year. The result is a moon that will appear unusually tall in the night sky above Wood Buffalo.
The moon will appear full Wednesday and Friday as well. Covey said the best viewing will be during moonrise on Thursday, when the lunar illusion makes the moon appear larger near the horizon.
“Find a clear view to the east,” he said. “Places like the Clearwater River valley, MacDonald Island, or the top of Abasand Hill give you a perfect vantage point. Dress warm and take a moment to enjoy it. A December supermoon feels like a gift at the end of a long year.”
Clear skies are expected to improve visibility, though thin cloud cover would still allow the moon to shine through.
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