The final supermoon of the year, known as the Beaver Moon, illuminated the skies over various locations around the globe on November 15, 2024. This celestial event offered photographers and skywatchers alike the perfect opportunity to enjoy and capture the enchanting beauty of the moon from different vantage points, showcasing its brilliance against the night sky.
The Beaver Moon, which is traditionally associated with the time when beavers are most active preparing for winter, is more than just any regular full moon. On this occasion, it also coincided with the peak of the Leonid meteor shower, making the astronomical event even more significant. Although the Leonids usually brighten the sky with shooting stars, their visibility was somewhat muted due to the moon's bright glow.
Photographers venturing outside reported spectacular sightings, particularly during the moonrise. For example, from Whitewater, California, images captured airplanes flying past the Beaver Moon, offering a stunning juxtaposition of human engineering against nature’s wonders. Others shared breathtaking photographs of the moon peeking through wispy clouds, casting silver hues over the desert landscapes of the Coachella Valley.
Across the United Kingdom, the Beaver Moon marked the last chance to see this phenomenon until November next year. Observers were treated to remarkable views as the moon rose brightly, bringing delight and awe. Spectacular images flooded social media, portraying the moon prominently above famous landmarks such as the Tower of London, and silhouetted against the natural beauty of the countryside.
Despite the enjoyment it brought, some astronomers pointed out the challenges of observing celestial highlights during such events. Dr. Edward Bloomer, the senior astronomy manager at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, explained, "The supermoon definition is not particularly strict. While many accept it within 10 percent of its closest approach to Earth, others argue it should be within 360,000 kilometers for it to qualify." He emphasized the wider community’s enthusiasm for supermoons, regardless of strict criteria.
Adding another layer to the event, this Beaver Moon appeared at the peak of what's known as the lunar standstill. Vanessa Alarcon, an astronomical observer at the Griffith Observatory, remarked on this phenomenon, noting how the moon rises and sets at its most extreme northern and southern points, creating unique twilight scenes. The lunar standstill kicked off back in June 2024 and will ramp up its effects well past this supermoon’s occurrence, resulting in fascinating opportunities for skywatchers.
Social media was abuzz with images from various parts of the world. From Jerusalem to New York City, the Beaver Moon provided countless chances to marvel at nature’s celestial beauty. Some captured the moon rising over distant mountains, others recorded it glowing near skyscrapers as people gathered to enjoy the display.
The timing of these celestial events has made for exciting months for astronomy enthusiasts. The Beaver Moon not only heralded the end of the supermoon era for the year but signified nature’s beauty peaking during the year’s colder months, where onlookers can reflect on the changing seasons and their own lives.
With its arrival, stargazers were advised on how best to catch the moon’s glow. Experts recommended taking time to adjust to the darkness and avoiding bright screens. Interestingly, Dr. Darren Baskill from the University of Sussex noted, "Beavers are most active at dawn and dusk, which coincides with their need to prepare for winter — hence the name Beaver Moon!" He continued, explaining how winter lowers the moon's position, making it more prominent.
Just like the beaver preparing for hibernation, humans also seem to seek solace and wonder during these significant lunar events, gathering with friends and family or partaking in socially distant gatherings to enjoy nature’s displays. The Beaver Moon, alongside the fleeting Leonid meteor shower, wrapped up 2024 with flair, setting the tone for the upcoming astronomical events awaiting the skies next year.
Many places around the world took the opportunity to bring people together during the Beaver Moon. Access to these private moments of connection was important, providing the sense of awe and community spirit prevalent under the glowing moonlight. Already, plans for stargazing excursions are under way for the next supermoon slated for November 5, 2025, but for now, the magic of the Beaver Moon lingers on, lighting paths and igniting imaginations.
