This November, the full moon is making quite the spectacle! Known as the Beaver Moon, this month’s full moon will also be a supermoon, appearing slightly larger and brighter than usual. For skywatchers, this means an extra dose of moonlight as it reaches its peak on Friday, November 15, at 4:29 PM EST.
When and Where to See It
Though it officially reaches full status on Friday, the moon will look stunningly bright on both Thursday, November 14, and Saturday, November 16. The moon will rise in the east around sunset, climb high in the sky around midnight, and set in the west at or near sunrise. It’s a perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to catch one last glorious full moon before the cold of winter fully settles in.
What Makes This Moon Special?
This full moon is the fourth and final supermoon of 2024, following August’s blue moon, September’s harvest moon, and October’s hunter’s moon. But what exactly is a supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee. This brings the moon around 224,895 miles from Earth, making it appear brighter and larger than a typical full moon. For context, when the moon is at its farthest point, called apogee, it’s about 252,595 miles away, and the result is a much smaller and dimmer moon — often referred to as a micromoon.
Why Is November’s Full Moon Called the Beaver Moon?
The name “Beaver Moon” comes from The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which traces the names of full moons back to Native American and colonial American traditions. November’s full moon earned its name because it marked the time when beavers were busy preparing for winter and building their dams. It was also the best time to set beaver traps before the water started to freeze — ensuring a warm supply of furs for the colder months.
What’s Next?
After the Beaver Moon, the next full moon will be the Cold Moon on December 15, signaling the start of the coldest time of the year. If you’re a fan of supermoons, the next one won’t arrive until October 2025, when three supermoons are expected to light up the skies in October, November, and December.
How Often Do Supermoons Occur?
Supermoons are relatively rare, happening only about three to four times per year. But this November’s supermoon is a special one, so be sure to catch it while you can!
Don’t miss out on this celestial show—mark your calendars and enjoy the glow of the Beaver Supermoon!
