As November unfolds, stargazers are treated to a spectacular astronomical event—the full moon, fondly referred to as the “beaver moon.” This luminous spectacle will grace the night sky on Friday, marking the final supermoon of the year. The term “beaver moon” stems from the time of year when beavers traditionally prepare for hibernation, as they don thicker coats to fend off the cold. This celestial event is scheduled to reach its full phase at precisely 4:29 PM ET, as noted by The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
In addition to the beaver moon’s grandeur, the weekend offers an added spectacle for those with their eyes turned skyward. The Leonid meteor shower is expected to peak on the night of Saturday into early Sunday, presenting a stunning opportunity for observers. According to the American Meteor Society, the conjunction of these two events creates an exciting atmosphere for those fascinated by celestial phenomena.
Astronomer Noah Petro, who serves as the chief of NASA’s Planetary Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Laboratory, explains that while there exists a definitive moment when the moon is at its fullest, it remains visually striking both before and after this peak. He encourages moonwatchers not to be deterred by weather conditions or time constraints, emphasizing that they can appreciate the beauty of a full moon at various times surrounding the intended peak.
The phenomenon of a supermoon occurs when the moon is at its perigee—the point in its orbit where it is closest to Earth—coinciding with its full phase. This alignment results in a slightly larger and brighter appearance than usual, making the November full moon the fourth consecutive supermoon of the year. Notably, this month’s beaver moon will be positioned slightly farther away from Earth than October’s full moon, which was celebrated as the closest we have encountered in 2024.
A key recommendation from Petro for an optimal viewing experience is to attempt to catch the moon while it is rising. Observing the celestial body ascend over the horizon often produces a captivating optical illusion, known as the “moon illusion,” where the moon appears even larger compared to terrestrial objects like trees and rooftops. The exact cause of this illusion remains somewhat elusive, though experts believe it stems from how our brains interpret visual stimuli.
Beyond Earthly observations, missions such as NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which has diligently collected lunar data since 2009, continue to unveil the moon’s mysteries and enhance our understanding of its composition and effects on Earth. Petro highlights the ongoing efforts in lunar mapping and exploration, stating, “When people go out and look at the moon, know that you’re looking not just at a wonderful object in the night sky, but that somewhere orbiting around it is this small spacecraft that is staging our view of the moon and its history.”
Weather permitting, individuals across both the Northern and Southern hemispheres should be able to view the beaver moon, potentially alongside meteors from the Leonid meteor shower. The Leonids are notable for their ability to produce approximately 15 meteors per hour at their peak; however, this year, the brightness of the full moon may hinder visibility, leading to an estimated five meteors visible per hour instead.
For those eager to catch a glimpse of the meteors, Robert Lunsford, the fireball report coordinator for the American Meteor Society, advises viewers to face east while ensuring that the moon is out of their field of view to maximize their chances of spotting shooting stars. He adds that it is best to watch the sky late at night, as more Leonids are typically visible in the hours leading up to dawn.
Amateur astronomers interested in contributing to scientific data collection can utilize online fireball report forms, which assist researchers in studying meteor shower activities and predicting future events. Lunsford emphasizes how these contributions improve understanding of when Earth encounters meteor activity, leading to enhanced forecasting for future showers.
As the month progresses, enthusiasts can anticipate additional celestial events, including the next full moon, called the cold moon, set to rise on December 15. The Leonid meteor shower will continue to grace the skies until it concludes on December 2, making way for upcoming meteor showers in the following month: the Geminids peaking on December 12-13 and the Ursids on December 21-22. Each of these events presents an opportunity for starry-eyed observers to connect with the night sky and deepen their appreciation for the wonders of astronomy.
