• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Beaver Supermoon 2025: Skygazers across the world are in for a celestial treat next week as the Beaver Supermoon, the biggest and brightest full moon of 2025, rises in early November. The full moon will reach its peak brightness at 8:19 a.m. EST (1:19 p.m. GMT) on Wednesday, November 5, but it will appear large and luminous in the night sky for several days before and after the date.

This year’s Beaver Moon is not just another full moon; it is also a supermoon, appearing about 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than a typical full moon due to its proximity to Earth. The moon will be approximately 221,816 miles (356,980 kilometres) from Earth, marking its closest approach of the year, according to data from NASA and AstroPixels.

Why It’s Called Beaver Moon

A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon’s perigee, its nearest point to Earth in orbit. Because the moon’s orbit is slightly oval-shaped, there are times when it moves closer to our planet, making it appear significantly bigger and brighter in the sky.

The name ‘Beaver Moon’ comes from traditional Native American and early European folklore. November was the time when beavers built their winter dams and trappers laid out beaver traps before the freezing season began.

According to the Royal Greenwich Museum, some tribes also called it the Frost Moon, Freezing Moon, or Trading Moon, reflecting the onset of winter. The Anishinaabeg people refer to November’s moon as Baashkaakodin Giizis, meaning “Freezing Moon.”

Best Time and Place to Watch

While the Beaver Supermoon will technically be full in the afternoon of November 5, the best time to enjoy its beauty will be shortly after sunset on November 4 and 5, when it appears low on the eastern horizon.

Astrophysicist Dr. Noelia Noel from the University of Surrey recommends finding a clear, open space away from city lights. “The moon looks especially striking when it’s near the horizon because of the so-called ‘moon illusion,’ which makes it appear larger than it actually is,” she said. Binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the experience, revealing surface details like lunar craters and maria (dark plains).

Weather Outlook For Skywatchers

According to the UK Met Office, the weather around November 5 is expected to be mild but unsettled, with intermittent rain and strong winds. However, brief, clear spells across parts of the UK and North America could offer perfect viewing conditions for the supermoon.

ALSO READ: Green Comet: Why Is Comet Green And How To Spot Them In The Night Sky?

For those in India and other parts of Asia, the Beaver Moon will be visible throughout the night of November 5, appearing brightest soon after moonrise. This Beaver Supermoon marks the second in a trio of supermoons closing out 2025, with the final one, the Cold Moon, set to rise in December.

ALSO READ: Could You Fly NY To LA In Half The Time? Here's How NASA’s New Silent Supersonic Jet May Soon Make It Possible

So, whether you are in the countryside or watching from your balcony, make sure to look up next week, the Beaver Supermoon promises to be a breathtaking sight to end the year’s celestial calendar on a glowing note.

Also In News