November’s full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here’s when it peaks and how it got its name.

When astronomy followers look to the sky this week, they’re going to get to see November’s Beaver full moon, the final of 2024’s 4 consecutive supermoons.

The 2024 collection of supermoons began in August with a uncommon supermoon blue moon. After this month’s Beaver Moon, there will not be one other supermoon till late subsequent yr.

Why is the November full moon known as the Beaver Moon?

November’s full moon is named the Beaver Moon, in line with the Outdated Farmer’s Almanac. The identify was chosen as a result of that is the time of yr when beavers begin sheltering of their lodges after having ready meals shops for the winter. 

This month’s full moon additionally has a number of different names tied to winter and animals making ready for the chilly climate. Different full names for the November full moon are the Frost Moon, the Freezing Moon, the Digging Moon, the Deer Rutting Moon and the Algonquin Whitefish Moon. 

When will the November supermoon be seen?

The complete moon is anticipated to succeed in its peak on Friday, Nov. 15, at 4:29 p.m. EST, NASA mentioned. The Outdated Farmer’s Almanac particulars particular moonrise occasions for various ZIP codes throughout the U.S. 

Round 96% of the moon’s nearside might be illuminated by the solar on Thursday, in line with NASA. By Friday, 100% of the moon’s nearside might be illuminated. About 99% of it will likely be illuminated by the solar on Saturday and 96% of the moon might be illuminated on Sunday.

You will not want binoculars or a telescope to benefit from the spectacular view.

What makes supermoons particular?

A supermoon occurs when the moon is concurrently full and on the a part of its orbit that is closest to Earth, in line with NASA. The moon’s distance from Earth varies between round 221,457 miles and 252,712 miles. 

Throughout this month’s supermoon, the moon might be about 224,385 miles from Earth. 

Supermoons seem bigger than the common full moon. It is much like the dimensions distinction between 1 / 4 and a nickel, in line with NASA. Supermoons are additionally about 16% brighter than a mean moon. 

Whereas all supermoons seem greater and brighter than the common full moon, there may be some variance. In response to NASA, the November full moon will seem 6.2% greater and 12.8% brighter than 2024’s common full moon.

When will the primary supermoon of 2025 happen?

Subsequent yr, anticipate three supermoons, beginning in October, in line with earthsky.org. There might be one on Oct. 7, 2025, adopted by Nov. 5 and Dec. 4. Then the next new yr will begin with a supermoon on Jan. 3, 2026.