As the chill of early November settles in, sky watchers across the United States and the United Kingdom are preparing for a celestial spectacle: the Beaver Supermoon of 2025. This year’s event is shaping up to be the largest and brightest full moon of the year, promising a dazzling display that will light up night skies from New York to London. With its timing coinciding with Bonfire Night in the UK, the Beaver Supermoon is set to captivate both seasoned astronomers and casual observers alike.
The Beaver Supermoon will reach its full phase at precisely 1:19 p.m. GMT on November 5, 2025, according to The Economic Times. However, it will be visible in the evenings from November 5 through November 7, giving enthusiasts several opportunities to catch a glimpse of its luminous beauty. The event marks the second of three consecutive supermoons this year, and by all accounts, it’s the most visually impressive lunar event of 2025.
But what exactly makes a supermoon so special? Unlike the moon’s regular full phases, a supermoon occurs when the moon’s elliptical orbit brings it closest to Earth—a point known as perigee. At perigee, the moon sits about 220,000 miles from our planet, compared to 250,000 miles at its farthest point, or apogee, BBC explains. When a full moon aligns with this close approach, it appears significantly larger and brighter in the sky. In fact, this year’s Beaver Supermoon is expected to look up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon, making it a rare treat for anyone lucky enough to catch it on a clear night.
Professor Sara Russell from London’s Natural History Museum summed up the excitement, describing the 2025 Beaver Moon as “the year’s most visually impressive lunar event,” especially due to its alignment with bonfire night celebrations in the UK, as reported by Sky News. For many in Britain, the full moon’s glow will serve as a stunning backdrop to fireworks and festivities, adding a magical touch to an already cherished tradition.
The timing of the Beaver Supermoon’s appearance varies by location. In New York, moonrise is set for 5:19 p.m. EST on Thursday, November 6, while Los Angeles residents can expect to see it at 4:57 p.m. PST the same evening. Over in London, the moon will rise at 5:06 p.m. GMT on Friday, November 7, according to The Economic Times. For those in the UK eager to catch the moon as it first appears, BBC notes that the full Beaver Moon will rise at around 3:55 p.m. GMT on November 5. The best time to view the supermoon is at moonrise, when it hovers close to the horizon. Here, the so-called "moon illusion" makes it appear even larger as it looms against buildings, trees, or hills.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Beaver Supermoon is that no special equipment is required to enjoy it. The naked eye is more than sufficient to take in the spectacle, though binoculars or a small telescope can reveal the intricate details of the lunar surface—craters, ridges, and all. For photography enthusiasts, experts recommend using night mode, disabling the flash, and stabilizing the camera on a tripod to capture the moon’s radiance in all its glory.
The name “Beaver Moon” is steeped in tradition and reflects the rhythms of nature at this time of year. According to both The Economic Times and BBC, the term likely originated with Native American tribes who set beaver traps in November to secure warm furs for the coming winter. Alternatively, some suggest it refers to the heightened activity of beavers themselves, as they busily construct dams and stockpile food before the deep freeze sets in. The Royal Observatory in Greenwich points out that November’s full moon has long symbolized preparation and hard work, marking the final push before winter’s arrival.
Interestingly, the tradition of naming full moons isn’t unique to North America. Early European settlers also adopted similar terms, and each month’s full moon carries a nickname reflecting seasonal changes—think February’s “Snow Moon” or June’s “Strawberry Moon.” The Beaver Moon’s significance is echoed in modern conservation efforts as well. While beavers were hunted to extinction in the UK in the 16th century, recent rewilding projects have reintroduced them to parts of England and Scotland, where they are now recognized for their role in improving river water quality and boosting biodiversity, BBC reports.
Of course, the thrill of witnessing the Beaver Supermoon depends heavily on the weather. The UK’s Met Office forecasts a mixed bag for Bonfire Night, with a series of low-pressure systems expected to bring spells of rain and wind across much of the country. However, there’s hope for clearer skies in northern regions, where drier and calmer conditions are more likely. In the United States, the Midwest and Southwest are predicted to enjoy clearer weather, while parts of the East Coast may experience light rain, according to The Economic Times. As always, it’s wise to keep an eye on local forecasts and be ready to seize any opportunity for moon gazing between passing clouds.
For those planning their lunar viewing parties, it’s worth noting that the Beaver Supermoon is part of a rare trio of consecutive supermoons in 2025. The next—and final—supermoon of the year will occur on December 4, so sky watchers who miss November’s spectacle will have one more chance to catch the moon at its most impressive.
Behind the awe-inspiring beauty of the supermoon lies a blend of science, tradition, and a touch of serendipity. The term “supermoon” itself is a relatively recent addition to the astronomical lexicon, first coined in 1979 by astrologer Richard Nolle to describe full moons that appear noticeably larger and brighter as they coincide with perigee. While the science is straightforward—the moon’s elliptical orbit means it’s not always the same distance from Earth—the experience of standing beneath a supermoon is anything but ordinary.
Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet countryside, the Beaver Supermoon of 2025 offers a moment to pause, look up, and marvel at the wonders of the universe. As beavers prepare for winter and fireworks light up the night, the moon’s silvery glow serves as a reminder of the enduring connection between nature, tradition, and the rhythms that bind us all.
With its rare alignment of astronomical significance and cultural celebration, the Beaver Supermoon promises a night to remember for sky watchers on both sides of the Atlantic. So grab a warm coat, check the weather, and step outside—you won’t want to miss this year’s most spectacular lunar show.
