The night sky is set to dazzle enthusiasts on November 15, 2024, as the final supermoon of the year makes its appearance. Known as the Beaver Moon, this celestial spectacle will be the last chance for observers to witness such an event until November 2025. The full moon will rise just after 3:30 PM GMT, marking the fourth supermoon seen this year.
While the Beaver Moon is anticipated to glow brightly, it will appear somewhat less luminous than September's Harvest Moon or October's Hunter's Moon. Some astronomers argue it may not completely fit the definition of a supermoon since it is located farther from Earth than these previous moons. Dr. Edward Bloomer, the senior astronomy manager at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, elaborated on this, explaining, "The supermoon definition is not particularly strict. The general rule is it must be within 10% of its closest approach to Earth." He adds, to also qualify as a supermoon, the full moon should be within 360,000 kilometers of Earth.
Despite these technicalities, Dr. Bloomer emphasized the Beaver Moon is expected to be “nice and bright,” highlighting its potential visibility as long as weather conditions cooperate. To effectively catch this natural wonder, viewers are encouraged to let their eyes adjust to the darkness and to avoid distractions from screens or streetlights.
Dr. Darren Baskill from the University of Sussex echoed similar sentiments, noting the beauty of the Beaver Moon will be comparable to any other full moon. He pointed out, "Full moons during the winter are typically higher up in the sky, making them more visible and prominent." He also explained the significance behind the name; the full moon’s moniker relates to the natural activity of beavers preparing for winter during this time, hence the term "Beaver Moon."
Weather specialists from the Met Office estimate the best viewing conditions for this event will be primarily found across southern England shortly after sunset. Those located more north or toward the Midlands might face cloudier skies, with potential fog developing later. The Northern Isles may also present good opportunities for spotting this spectacular moon due to clearer skies associated with dropping temperatures.
The full moon won’t just herald this supermoon; it coincides with the annual Leonid meteor shower, which also peaks this weekend. It's likely observers will see flashes of bright meteors accompanying the Beaver Moon as it lightens the night sky. The Leonids are famous for their high-speed meteors, traveling at as much as 70 kilometers per second. Unfortunately, the bright light from the nearly full moon will likely obscure many meteors, limiting visibility to only the brightest streaks. Astrophysicist Shyam Balaji from King’s College London noted, “Watching during the early morning, when the moon is lower on the horizon, can improve your chances of seeing more meteors.”
While supermoons aren't particularly rare, happening three to four times each year, they continue to captivate audiences. A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth during its orbit, rendering it larger and brighter than usual; this Beaver Moon will appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter compared to its lesser-full counterparts.
The tradition behind the names of full moons aligns with seasonal changes and indigenous cultures. The Algonquin tribes used terms reflecting their surroundings, which many modern calendars now utilize. For November, variations such as the Frost Moon, Whitefish Moon, and Digging Moon also exist, highlighting different cultural interpretations of the moon's presence and its impact on nature.
This year's lunar calendar saw other notable full moons including August's Blue Moon, September and October's Harvest and Hunter moons respectively, culminating now with the Beaver Moon. Following this celestial event, individuals will have to wait until October 2025 to revel in another full supermoon spectacle.
Given its uniqueness and timing, sky watchers today are encouraged to step outside and relish this natural phenomenon. Set your eyes on the skies, soak up the wonder, and enjoy what’s likely to be awe-inspiring views. Don't forget to look out for those streaks of light accompanying the Beaver Moon brought to you by the falling Leonids, greatly enhancing this night of splendor.
