This month heralds the arrival of the Beaver Moon, which is the fourth and final supermoon of 2024, set to illuminate the sky on November 15.
November presents a fantastic chance for stargazers, particularly fans of celestial events, to witness Jupiter. According to *Astronomy’s November magazine*, Jupiter is prominently positioned in the night sky and is easily observable for those in the Northern Hemisphere, making this the best opportunity for telescope viewing in nearly a decade.
Additionally, there will be a stunning display of shooting stars as part of the meteor showers from both the Taurids and the Leonids on the weekend of November 16 and 17. You can expect to see 10-15 meteors per hour after midnight, with the spectacle characterized by two types of trails left by the meteors: persistent trains and smoke trails.
The term “Beaver Moon” for this full moon reflects the behavior of beavers, who begin preparing their dams before winter sets in, marking a time of preparation as the first snows typically fall across the northern United States and Canada. During this month, many trees and shrubs will also have shed their leaves.
Alternative names for this lunar phase add to its rich cultural significance. For instance, the Cheyenne tribe of the Great Plains refer to it as the “Deer Rutting Moon,” while in the Southeastern United States, it’s known as the “Panther Moon” among the Choctaw people. Other variations include the “Fledgling Hawk Moon” acknowledged by the Hopi, and the “Turkey Moon” recognized by the Potawatomi in the Great Lakes area. The Algonquin describe it as the “Moon of Much White Frost On Grass,” emphasizing the chilly nature of the season.
The Beaver Moon will achieve peak illumination on November 15 at 2:29 PM MT and 4:29 PM EST, although its brilliance will be visible all night on November 14 and 16. The moon rises in the east around sunset, reaches its zenith at midnight, and sets in the west around sunrise.
Looking ahead, the next full moon of the year, known as the Cold Moon, will take place on December 15, appropriately named as it coincides with the onset of colder winter weather.
As the Beaver Moon shines brightly and the winter season begins, it’s an excellent time for reflection and connection with nature. Stargazing can be a joyous and peaceful activity, encouraging us to step outside, embrace the beauty of the night sky, and appreciate the rhythms of the seasons.