November is an exciting month for sky watchers as it hosts the Beaver Moon, the last full supermoon of 2024, scheduled to shine brightly on November 15. This month also offers enthusiasts a unique opportunity to observe Jupiter, which is especially prominent in the night sky for Northern Hemisphere viewers, a view that hasn’t been this favorable in nearly a decade.
In addition to the stunning moon and planets, sky observers can look forward to meteor showers from the Taurids and the Leonids around the weekend of November 16-17. Expect to see about 10 to 15 meteors an hour after midnight, with fireballs producing distinctive trails of light, known as trains and smoke trails.
The Beaver Moon earns its name as November is a time when beavers typically start constructing their dams in preparation for the winter months. This period marks the arrival of the first snow in northern regions of the United States and Canada, while trees and shrubs lose their leaves, signaling the transition into colder weather.
Various cultures have attributed different names to this month’s full moon. For instance, the Cheyenne tribe refers to it as the “Deer Rutting Moon,” while the Choctaw people in the Southeast call it the “Panther Moon.” Additionally, it is recognized as the “Fledgling Hawk Moon” by the Hopi of the Southwest, and the “Turkey Moon” by the Potawatomi in the Great Lakes. Other names reflect the chilly season, like the Algonquin’s “Moon of Much White Frost On Grass” and the Assiniboine’s “Frost Moon.”
While the Beaver Moon will reach its peak illumination at 2:29 p.m. MT and 4:29 p.m. EST on November 15, it will appear bright and full on the nights leading up to and following its peak, ensuring that observers have ample opportunities to enjoy the stunning sight.
Looking ahead, the next full moon, known as the Cold Moon, will occur on December 15, coinciding with the coldest point of the year.
As nature prepares for winter, this month’s celestial events remind us of the beauty and cycles of the world around us, offering a chance to appreciate the wonders of the universe during these shorter, cooler days. Stargazing can inspire hope and wonder, making November a perfect time to connect with nature and explore the night sky.