This November, sky watchers can look forward to the Beaver Moon, marking the fourth and final full supermoon of 2024, set to light up the night on the 15th. This event not only showcases the beauty of the celestial body but also signals preparation for the winter season, as beavers begin their dam-building activities.
The month will also provide a fantastic opportunity for stargazers to observe Jupiter, which is currently at its brightest in nearly a decade, particularly for those in the Northern Hemisphere. The dazzling giant will dominate the night sky, making it an ideal time to use telescopes for a closer look.
Additionally, enthusiasts may get to witness meteoric displays from the Taurids and Leonids meteor showers, peaking around the weekend of November 16-17. Expect to see about 10-15 shooting stars per hour after midnight, creating beautiful trails in the sky.
The Beaver Moon garnered its name as it coincides with the season when beavers are busy preparing for winter, building their dams before the cold sets in. Alternative names for this full moon vary regionally, with the Cheyenne calling it the “Deer Rutting Moon” and the Choctaw referencing it as the “Panther Moon.” Other indigenous cultures have their unique appellations, like the Hopi’s “Fledgling Hawk Moon” and the Potawatomi’s “Turkey Moon,” highlighting the diverse interpretations of this lunar phenomenon.
Peak illumination of the Beaver Moon will occur at 2:29 p.m. MT and 4:29 p.m. EST on November 15, though it will appear full and vibrant throughout the nights of November 14 and 16 as it rises majestically in the east, nearing its height around midnight.
Looking ahead, the next full moon of 2024, known as the Cold Moon, will illuminate the sky on December 15, aligning with the onset of colder weather.
This November offers a splendid opportunity for both amateur astronomers and casual sky watchers alike to engage with the wonders of our universe, so be sure to mark your calendars for these exciting celestial events!