Central Valley to Witness Stunning Supermoon: Best Tips for Photography

Residents of California's Central Valley are in for a celestial treat this December as the final supermoon of 2025, known as the 'cold moon,' makes its grand appearance.

Scheduled to reach its peak on December 4, this supermoon promises to be a spectacular sight, offering a fantastic opportunity for both amateur and professional photographers to capture its beauty. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, a point known as perigee. This alignment causes the moon to appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon, according to NASA.

This phenomenon happens only three to four times a year and is always consecutive, making each event eagerly anticipated by skywatchers. The December supermoon, or 'cold moon,' derives its name from a Mohawk term that reflects the frigid conditions that typically begin to set in during this time of year. Other traditional Native American names for this moon include the 'frost exploding trees moon,' 'hoar frost moon,' and 'winter maker moon,' each evoking imagery of the winter season's harsh onset. California is rated as one of the top ten states for viewing this month's supermoon, according to the Supermoon Visibility Index by Action Network.

The index evaluates states based on factors such as sky clarity, humidity, elevation, and darkness, with California securing the sixth spot. The Central Valley, with its expansive skies and typically clear winter nights, offers an excellent vantage point for this celestial event.

For those eager to capture the supermoon in all its glory, photography tips from NASA and other experts can be invaluable. If you're using a smartphone, stabilize your device on a tripod or another steady surface, disable the flash, and focus your camera on the moon. Using a photo timer can help avoid any blur caused by the phone's movement. For those with digital or film cameras, experimenting with manual mode is recommended. Set your aperture to f/11 and align your shutter speed and ISO to the same number, starting with an ISO around 100. Using a tripod and a shutter release cable can significantly enhance the clarity of your shots. A supermoon appears larger when it is near the horizon, due to the atmospheric dispersion of light. Thus, framing the moon with foreground objects such as trees or buildings can create compelling and contextual images. For those with access to telescopes, capturing images through the eyepiece can yield impressive results, albeit with a bit of luck. The timing of the moonrise and moonset is crucial for photographers.

Arriving early to set up your equipment ensures you're ready to capture the moon at its most photogenic moments. However, it's important to remember that weather conditions can be unpredictable, and sometimes, capturing the perfect shot may require multiple attempts. As the Central Valley prepares to gaze upon this natural wonder, the supermoon serves as a reminder of the beauty that the night sky offers. Whether you're an avid photographer or simply a lover of celestial events, the December supermoon is an event not to be missed. This supermoon is not just a visual spectacle but also a connection to the broader universe, offering a moment of reflection and appreciation for the natural world. For the residents of the Central Valley, it is a perfect opportunity to step outside, look up, and enjoy one of nature's most awe-inspiring displays.