Skywatchers can mark their calendars for November 15th, as it will be the highlight of the month with the much-anticipated Beaver Moon. This luminous event is not just any full moon; it’s the last supermoon of 2024, and it promises to captivate stargazers with its notable brightness and size. The Beaver Moon will reach its peak illumination at 4:29 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), coinciding with favorable weather conditions across many regions, ensuring visibility for many eager observers.
The Beaver Moon derives its name from the time of year when beavers are most active, building their winter lodges as they prepare for the coming cold. This tradition has roots in Native American and colonial history, where the name reflects both the natural behavior of beavers and the advent of beaver trapping season, pivotal for the fur trade. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, it’s referred to as the Beaver Moon due to the alignment of these two significant activities during November.
Supermoons are not just regular full moons; they occur when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth, known as perigee. This proximity can make the moon appear up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than its average size. It’s quite the visual treat, akin to comparing the size difference between a nickel and a quarter. This year, the Beaver Moon is the fourth consecutive supermoon, following the Sturgeon Moon in August, the Harvest Moon in September, and the Hunter’s Moon in October. The Hunter's Moon was particularly remarkable as it was noted to be the largest and brightest of them all.
On the evening following the full moon’s peak, November 16th, viewers will also be able to catch the Pleiades star cluster, often called the “Seven Sisters,” appearing near the moon, providing even more celestial beauty. The next few days leading up to and following the full moon also offer excellent opportunities for moon gazing. Skywatchers can begin viewing the full moon from November 14th and continue to enjoy its glow until the early hours of November 18th, marking a perfect time for families and friends to gather for some moonlit exploration.
It’s important to point out, though, for those hoping to enjoy the Leonid meteor shower during this period, the brightness of the full Beaver Moon may wash out the meteor activity, as the best visibility for meteor showers typically requires darker skies. Peak viewing for the Leonids will occur on the nights of November 17th and 18th, with about 10 to 15 meteors per hour expected under ideal conditions. Observers should plan their meteor-watching sessions accordingly, aiming for later night views when the moon will have settled lower on the horizon.
Looking beyond the Beaver Moon, the next full moon will be the Cold Moon on December 15th, 2024, which will be the last full moon of the year. For those who adore the spectacle of supermoons, 2025 will be promising, featuring three consecutive supermoons on October 7, November 5, and December 4. The anticipation will surely build as people look forward to these glowing orbs lighting up the night skies.
Whether you’re setting intentions, taking moonlit walks, or simply enjoying the gorgeous view, the Beaver Moon presents us all with another beautiful chance to reconnect with the night sky. So, prepare your telescopes, your blankets, and your favorite snacks to enjoy one of nature’s best displays. It's just around the corner, and it's definitely not one to miss!
