Skywatchers will have the opportunity to witness the Beaver Moon on November 15, beginning at 4:29 p.m. EST. This particular full Moon holds added significance as it marks the final Supermoon of 2024, appearing larger and brighter than usual.
The term “supermoon” was first used in 1979 and refers to the occurrence of a full Moon coinciding with its closest proximity to Earth. The Moon’s orbit around Earth is not a perfect circle. Instead, it follows an elliptical path, resulting in varying distances from our planet. On average, the farthest distance, known as apogee, is around 253,000 miles away, while the closest point, or perigee, is approximately 226,000 miles from Earth. Full Moons can happen at any point during this elliptical orbit; however, those occurring near perigee are perceived as larger and brighter, hence the name “supermoon.”
According to NASA research scientist Dennis Gallagher, supermoons are a common phenomenon. He noted, “The Moon’s orbit takes it around the Earth about once every 27 and one-third days,” and that perigee occurs three or four times a year due to the celestial movements of Earth and the Moon.
The name Beaver Moon is linked to various Native American and European traditions, reflecting the time of year when beavers prepare for winter by reinforcing their dams and gathering food. Historically, November was also a prime time for trapping beavers for their warm winter pelts.
Interestingly, beavers also have a connection to space through a NASA-funded initiative called the Beaver Rewilding Project in Idaho. This project utilizes NASA’s Earth-observing missions, such as Landsat and Sentinel, to study the effects of beaver presence on ecosystems. By analyzing data from above, researchers can observe how beavers’ dam-building activities help retain water, fostering vegetation growth and creating new habitats. These effects contribute to increased fresh water availability, enhanced grazing land for livestock, and greater landscape resilience to environmental challenges like fires and droughts.
As you prepare to enjoy the last supermoon of the year, it’s fascinating to reflect on the unexpected connection between beavers and space exploration, showcasing how nature and scientific technology can work hand in hand for ecological benefit.
This event offers a wonderful opportunity for people to step outside, gaze at the sky, and appreciate the marvels of both the universe and our natural world.