Astronomy enthusiasts have an exciting event to look forward to this week with the appearance of November’s Beaver full moon, which marks the last of four consecutive supermoons in 2024. This series commenced in August with a unique supermoon blue moon, and after this month’s Beaver Moon, the next opportunity to witness a supermoon won’t come until late next year.
So why is November’s full moon referred to as the Beaver Moon? According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, this name was chosen because it is the period when beavers begin to seek refuge in their lodges after diligently preparing their food supplies for winter. Additionally, various other names for this full moon reflect themes of winter preparation and nature, including the Frost Moon, Freezing Moon, Digging Moon, Deer Rutting Moon, and the Algonquin Whitefish Moon.
Astronomers can expect the Beaver supermoon to reach its peak on Friday, November 15, at 4:29 PM EST. According to NASA, around 96% of the moon’s near side will be illuminated by the sun on Thursday, reaching full illumination on Friday, and remaining near full brightness throughout the weekend.
The beauty of this phenomenon does not require any complicated equipment; viewing is easily accessible without binoculars or telescopes.
Supermoons are unique in that they occur when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, known as perigee. This month, the moon will be approximately 224,385 miles away from our planet. Not only do supermoons appear larger than regular full moons—about 16% brighter—they also have distinct size variations, with November’s full moon expected to be 6.2% larger and 12.8% brighter than the average full moon of the year.
Looking ahead, stargazers can anticipate three supermoons in 2025, with the first on October 7, followed by others on November 5 and December 4. The excitement carries into 2026, starting the new year with a supermoon on January 3.
In summary, the Beaver full moon presents a magnificent opportunity for people to connect with nature and the cosmos. As the year comes to a close, this whimsical event serves as a reminder of the beauty in the seasonal changes and the natural world around us. Astronomy brings people together, creating shared experiences that can inspire curiosity and wonder.