Beaver moon 2024: Final supermoon of the year and a stunning celestial event for the skygazers! |
The night skies this November will feature a spectacular celestial event: the Beaver Moon, which will also be the last supermoon of 2024. Occurring on Friday, November 15, this full moon promises to be both larger and brighter than usual due to its proximity to Earth. As millions of skywatchers look up to witness this stunning lunar phenomenon, here’s everything you need to know about the Beaver Moon and what to expect in the skies.
What is a Supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee. This proximity makes the moon appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon, which occurs when the moon is at its farthest distance from Earth. Supermoons are a rare and breathtaking sight, and this month’s Beaver Moon will be the fourth and final supermoon of 2024.
This year’s series of supermoons began in August with the Sturgeon Moon, followed by September’s Harvest Moon, and October’s Hunter’s Moon. The Beaver Moon will close out this remarkable lineup, offering another chance for stargazers to witness the moon in all its glory. The October supermoon was the closest of the year, reaching a distance of 222,055 miles from Earth. November’s supermoon will also appear impressively large and bright, thanks to its proximity.
When can you see the Beaver Moon?
The full moon will officially reach its peak at 4:29 p.m. EST on Friday, November 15, but it will appear nearly as full on Thursday, November 14, and Saturday, November 16. The moon will be visible to skywatchers across North America and around the world, offering several opportunities to catch this stunning celestial display.
Though the moon will be officially full on Friday, its glow will be visible for several nights surrounding the peak. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, you’ll still have plenty of chances to enjoy its brightness in the sky.
Why is it called the Beaver Moon?
The name Beaver Moon has its roots in both Native American and early European settler traditions. November’s full moon was named after beavers because they are especially active during this time of year, gathering food and building dams in preparation for the winter months. The name reflects this period of intense activity for the animals as they prepare for the cold.
In addition to the Beaver Moon, Native American tribes also referred to this full moon as the Freezing Moon or Frost Moon, reflecting the onset of winter and the cold weather that begins to settle in at this time of year. Some sources, such as the Old Farmer’s Almanac, explain that the moon’s connection to beavers goes beyond just their activity—this was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, ensuring a supply of warm winter furs.
While “Beaver Moon” is the most common name, it’s a part of a larger tradition of naming moons based on natural events, seasonal changes, and animal activity.
Beaver Moon is the final supermoon of 2024
The Beaver Moon marks the last supermoon of the year, concluding a rare occurrence of four consecutive supermoons in 2024. In addition to the Hunter’s Moon in October, previous supermoons this year included the Sturgeon Moon in August and the Harvest Moon in September. The distance from Earth during these supermoons varied slightly, with the closest being October’s Hunter’s Moon at 222,055 miles. The full Harvest Moon in September came within 222,131 miles, while the Sturgeon Moon was slightly farther at 224,917 miles.
If you missed any of these supermoons, don’t worry—November’s Beaver Moon will still offer a stunning visual display and is a fitting conclusion to the year’s lunar events.
November’s celestial events: The Pleiades star cluster, Beaver Moon, and the Leonid meteor shower
In addition to the supermoon, November’s skies will be illuminated by several other celestial events. On Friday, November 15, the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters, will be visible near the moon. On Friday night, look to the lower left of the moon to spot the star cluster, and on Saturday, the Pleiades will be positioned to the upper right of the full moon.
However, the brightness of the Beaver Moon may affect the viewing of the Leonid meteor shower, which is set to peak this weekend. Meteor showers are best viewed in darker skies, so the moon’s light could diminish visibility. Still, you might catch a few meteors if you time it right and find a dark spot away from city lights.
Supermoons in 2025
For those who can’t get enough of supermoons, the next opportunity to see one will be in 2025. Next year, skywatchers will be treated to three consecutive supermoons on October 7, November 5, and December 4. The supermoon season of 2025 will be another exciting chapter for lunar enthusiasts.
The last full moon of 2024 and winter’s official beginning
After November’s Beaver Moon, the final full moon of 2024 will be the Cold Moon, which rises on December 15. The Cold Moon marks the official start of winter and will be the last full moon of the year.
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