Skywatchers, rejoice! November is set to showcase the stunning spectacle of the last supermoon of 2024, known as the Super Beaver Moon. On November 15, the full moon will rise above the horizon, appearing larger and brighter than usual, much to the delight of night owls and lunar enthusiasts alike. But what exactly makes this moon so special, and how can observers best prepare to witness it?
The Super Beaver Moon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth during its monthly orbit, known as perigee. This year, it'll be about 356,500 kilometers away, giving it the illusion of being 14% larger and 30% brighter than its average size, though this change is more perceptible through telescopes than to the naked eye.
This celestial event is not just about aesthetics; it’s also rooted deeply in cultural history. The name “Beaver Moon” harkens back to Native American traditions, where it signals the time to set beaver traps before the swamps freeze, allowing for winter food storage. It was first documented by The Old Farmer's Almanac, which chronicled the lunar calendars of past Native American tribes.
Those planning to catch the supermoon should mark their calendars for Friday, November 15. It’s set to peak at various times across the globe—specifically at 9:29 PM GMT for those tuning in from the UK, and at 4:29 PM EST for observers located on the East Coast of the United States.
For those wondering how to best view this astronomical phenomenon, several factors come to play. The moon will be visible as soon as the sun sets, around 6 PM local time. By then, skywatchers can simply gaze upward toward the Aries constellation, where the moon will rise brightly against the dusk sky. After its rise, the moon will continue its path, disappearing from sight by approximately 7:58 AM the following day. This limited window makes it all the more important to be prepared.
While supermoons can easily be viewed with the naked eye, bringing along binoculars or telescopes will definitely heighten the experience. They allow for greater detail to be observed, such as the moon’s craters and surface textures—things we often take for granted during casual stargazing. For urban dwellers, finding elevated places or parks with clear horizons can offer stunning viewpoints, making for perfect selfies as well as memorable shared moments with friends and family.
Those who missed the previous supermoons this year—held on August 19, September 18, and October 17—might find solace knowing more supermoons are just around the corner. While November wraps up the spectral events for 2024, the next chance to observe supermoons will come around the following year, with significant dates like October 7, November 5, and December 4, 2025, already marked on celestial calendars.
For amateurs and seasoned astronomers alike, there’s something undeniably magical about supermoons. The beauty of watching our planet’s closest celestial neighbor brighten the night sky can sometimes be lost amid the frantic pace of modern life. With the Super Beaver Moon on the horizon, it’s the perfect opportunity to briefly escape the hustle and bustle of daily routines and to gaze up at the vastness of the universe.
So, grab your warmest jacket, perhaps some hot cocoa, and make sure to look up on the evening of November 15. Whether you're cuddled up with loved ones on your balcony or out with friends at a local park, don’t miss this chance to witness the last supermoon of the year. It won't come around again until October 2025, so take advantage of this cosmic event and enjoy the show!
