Kazakhstan Witnesses Rare Supermoon Lighting Up December Sky

On the night of December 4, Kazakhstan saw a rare astronomical event - a supermoon, when the Moon comes closest to Earth, appearing noticeably larger and brighter.

The peak occurred at 04:14 (GMT+5), with the Moon approaching the planet at a distance of about 27,000 km, forming a perfectly illuminated circle, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Astronomers say a supermoon can appear up to 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than usual, visible under clear skies.

Not all residents were able to view the phenomenon due to cloudy weather in some regions. The December full moon is traditionally called the “Cold Moon” because of the long winter nights and frosty air, which make the sky especially clear.

Earlier in September, Kazakhs also witnessed another rare event - a total lunar eclipse, turning the Moon a reddish “Blood Moon.”