December 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting months for skywatchers, stargazers, and night-sky photographers. With a brilliant Supermoon, two meteor showers, a Moon–Jupiter meeting, the year’s final New Moon, and the December Solstice all lined up in a single month, the sky will stay busy from start to finish. Whether you follow astronomy closely or simply enjoy glancing at the night sky, December offers something special for everyone. Here are the top six astronomical events you won’t want to miss.
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1. December 4 – The Last Supermoon of 2025
December begins with a dramatic lunar highlight: the final Supermoon of the year. On the night of December 4, the Moon will appear larger and brighter than usual as it reaches its closest point to Earth in its orbit. This makes it an ideal opportunity for photography, casual viewing, or simply appreciating the sky’s natural beauty.
Supermoons often illuminate the landscape more than typical full moons, creating beautiful nighttime scenery. If you have a clear sky, step outside shortly after moonrise to watch the Supermoon lifting above the horizon in glowing golden color.
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2. December 7 – Moon Meets Jupiter
Just three days after the Supermoon, skywatchers will witness a beautiful pairing as the Moon meets Jupiter in the night sky. During this conjunction, the Moon will appear close to the giant planet, making both objects easy to spot even without binoculars.
This alignment is especially enjoyable because Jupiter is one of the brightest planets visible from Earth. Observers with a small telescope might even catch a glimpse of Jupiter’s colorful bands or its four large moons, known as the Galilean moons. This is a visually rich event that blends the charm of the Moon with the majesty of the largest planet in our solar system.
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3. December 13–14 – Geminid Meteor Shower Peak
The Geminids are widely regarded as the king of all meteor showers, and their 2025 peak is expected to be nothing short of spectacular. Active every December, the Geminids deliver bright, colorful meteors with a steady rate that can exceed 100 meteors per hour under dark skies.
This year, conditions are especially favorable. With no bright moonlight interfering around the peak nights of December 13 and 14, the sky will be dark enough to make even faint meteors easy to see. The best time to watch is after midnight, when the radiant in the constellation Gemini rises higher in the sky. For many skywatchers, the Geminids are the most impressive event of the entire year, and 2025 should be no exception.
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4. December 20 – New Moon
The December New Moon arrives on the 20th, bringing with it the darkest night of the month. Because the Moon will not be visible in the sky, this night provides incredible conditions for deep-sky observation. Stars appear sharper, the Milky Way becomes richer, and faint celestial objects such as nebulae and galaxies stand out more clearly.
This is perfect timing for anyone who wants to explore long-exposure astrophotography, locate constellations, or simply enjoy a peaceful, star-filled sky without lunar glare.
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5. December 21 – December Solstice
The December Solstice marks an important turning point in the year. For the Northern Hemisphere, it brings the longest night and the shortest day. For the Southern Hemisphere, it signals the arrival of summer.
Although the solstice itself isn’t a visual event in the sky, it sets the stage for excellent nighttime viewing. Long, dark evenings around this time give observers more hours to enjoy the stars, planets, and seasonal constellations. It also carries cultural and seasonal significance, making it a meaningful moment for many around the world.
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6. December 22–23 – Ursid Meteor Shower Peak
Rounding out the month is the Ursid meteor shower, peaking on the nights of December 22 and 23. While the Ursids are not as intense as the Geminids, they still offer a pleasant and steady display, producing around 5–10 meteors per hour during their peak.
This year, the dark skies following the New Moon make conditions much better for viewing. For northern observers, especially those in quiet, dark locations away from city lights, the Ursids can be a rewarding way to enjoy the final meteor shower of 2025.
December 2025 offers a rare combination of bright lunar events, beautiful planetary alignments, and strong meteor showers—all within just a few weeks. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or someone who simply loves looking up at the night sky, this month is full of reasons to spend more time outdoors after sunset.
From the glowing Supermoon to the king of meteor showers, every event adds something unique to the sky. Make sure to mark your calendar, prepare your camera, or simply enjoy a quiet moment under the stars as the year comes to a close.