When astronomy fans look to the sky this week, they will see November’s Beaver full moon, the last of 2024’s four consecutive supermoons.
The 2024 series of supermoons started in August with a rare one super moon blue moon. After this month’s Beaver Moon, another supermoon won’t appear until late next year.
Why is November’s full moon called the Beaver Moon?
November’s full moon is called the Beaver Moon, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. The name was chosen because this is the time of year when beavers take shelter in their lodges after preparing food supplies for the winter.
This month’s full moon also has several other names related to winter and animals preparing for the cold weather. Other full names for November’s full moon include the Frost Moon, the Freezing Moon, the Digging Moon, the Deer Rutting Moon, and the Algonquin Whitefish Moon.
When will November’s supermoon be visible?
The full moon is expected to peak on Friday, November 15 at 4:29 pm EST, according to NASA. The Old Farmer’s Almanac lists specific moonrise times for various zip codes in the US
About 96% of the moon’s near side will be illuminated by the sun on Thursday, according to NASA. On Friday, 100% of the moon’s near side will be illuminated. About 99% of it will be illuminated by the sun on Saturday and 96% of the moon will be illuminated on Sunday.
You don’t need binoculars or a telescope to enjoy the spectacular views.
What makes supermoons special?
According to NASA, a supermoon occurs when the moon is simultaneously full and in the part of its orbit closest to Earth. The moon’s distance from Earth varies between approximately 221,457 miles and 252,712 miles.
During this month’s supermoon, the moon will be about 220,000 miles (360,000 kilometers) from Earth.
Supermoons appear larger than the average full moon. According to NASA, it is comparable to the difference in size between a quarter and a nickel. Supermoons are also about 16% brighter than an average moon.
Although all supermoons appear larger and brighter than the average full moon, there is some variation. According to NASA, November’s full moon will appear 6.2% larger and 12.8% brighter than the average full moon of 2024.
When will the first supermoon of 2025 occur?
Expect three supermoons next year, starting in October, according to earthsky.org. There will be one on October 7, 2025, followed by November 5 and December 4. Then the next new year begins with a supermoon on January 3, 2026.
