The last supermoon of 2025 graces the skies of Jeddah... Photos and details
The skies over Jeddah witnessed a remarkable astronomical event on Thursday evening, December 4, 2025, captivating astronomy enthusiasts and photographers alike. The lens of Al-Youm newspaper captured the appearance of the supermoon in a majestic display, marking the third and final supermoon of the year. The moon appeared in its most splendid form, radiant and exceptionally large, setting it apart from ordinary nights.
What is the supermoon phenomenon?
A supermoon is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when a full moon coincides with its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, a point known astronomically as perigee. Because the moon's orbit around Earth is not perfectly circular, the distance between them varies throughout the month. When the moon is at its closest point, it appears up to 14% larger and about 30% brighter compared to a regular full moon at its farthest point (apogee).
Event details in the skies of the Kingdom
This appearance marks the third and final supermoon of 2025, making it a remarkable closing event for the astronomical year. Relatively clear skies in the coastal city of Jeddah facilitated exceptional observation of the moon, with exclusive photos taken by Al-Youm newspaper revealing more detailed lunar craters and surface features than usual, providing an ideal opportunity for astrophotography enthusiasts to capture this moment.
The natural effects of the phenomenon
Besides the visual beauty that a supermoon brings to the sky, this phenomenon has tangible physical effects on Earth, most notably on tides. Due to the moon's proximity to Earth, its gravitational pull increases, leading to what is known as "high tide" or spring tide, where sea and ocean levels rise significantly compared to normal days. While this effect is not usually dangerous, it serves as a clear example of the gravitational connection between Earth and its celestial neighbor.
The importance of astronomical observation
Observing such phenomena is of great importance not only scientifically but also culturally, as it reconnects people with nature and the universe around them. With its vast area and diverse terrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an ideal setting for observing astronomical phenomena. Astronomical societies and relevant authorities actively monitor and interpret these events for the public, thus enhancing scientific awareness of space science and astronomy.
