It’s shaping up to be a magical Christmas to close out 2026, with an ultra rare supermoon set to light up the sky behind Santa Claus as he traverses the globe.
This Christmas Eve will see its first supermoon in over two centuries, according to historical data, not to mention its first full moon in nearly two decades, as Christmas Eve hasn’t had a full moon since 2007.
Some sources might have classified that one as a supermoon, which has no set definition or confirmation guidelines. For example, NASA says any full moon within 90% of its closest approach to Earth (or closer than 228,420 miles) counts, while other astronomy references consider a stricter 224,000 miles limit). But, the last time a Christmas Eve full moon fell within the strictest definition of a supermoon—and could undoubtedly be classified as such—appears to have been Dec. 24, 1787, based on lunar data—making it the closest Christmas Eve full moon in 239 years.
When Can I See the Supermoon?
Next month, the supermoon may be visible from Dec. 23 to Dec. 25., depending on where you are in the world. According to the BBC’s Sky at Night magazine, the full moon will reach its peak illumination at 8:28 p.m. EST on Dec. 23, while the Moon will reach its closest point to Earth at about 4:30 a.m. EST on Christmas Eve.
The evening of Dec. 23 or 24 will be your most realistic supermoon viewing time, but if you wake up early enough for Santa on Christmas Day, you may still get a good peek at it in all its glory!
What Is a Supermoon?
A supermoon happens when the full moon occurs during “perigee,” which is the term used to describe the moon’s closest point to Earth during its orbit. Perigee is approximately 226,000 miles from Earth, according to NASA, while its furthest point, known as “apogee,” is around 251,000 miles away.
When the Moon is closer to Earth, it looks larger and brighter than normal, earning it the moniker of supermoon. According to the aerospace organization, a supermoon may “appear up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than the faintest Moon of the year.”
Does a Supermoon Have Any Effects on Earth?
While some supermoons may be more difficult to identify visually than others, NASA reports that, due to its closer location to the planet, the Moon can cause higher tides than usual.
How Often Does a Supermoon Occur?
According to NASA, this phenomenon only happens a small handful of times a year, and always in consecutive months. This year, we saw one in January, November, and December, and we’re expected to see it continue in January and February of 2027.
While you sit tight for next month’s natural event, don’t forget to check out the supermoon occuring this month, too!
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