Get ready to be mesmerized! The first full moon of November, affectionately known as the Beaver Moon, is set to illuminate our skies next week. Sky News reports that this will be the most significant supermoon of 2025, marking the second of three consecutive supermoons occurring this year. This follows the October Harvest Moon and precedes the December Cold Moon.
What Exactly is a Supermoon?
A supermoon happens when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, a point called perigee. Because the moon’s orbit isn’t a perfect circle but rather an ellipse, it sometimes appears larger and brighter than usual to us here on Earth.
Professor Sara Russell from the Natural History Museum in London shared with Sky News that this particular supermoon is expected to be the brightest and largest of 2025, promising a truly remarkable viewing experience.
The Significance of the Beaver Moon Name
According to the Royal Greenwich Museum, the name ‘Beaver Moon’ has a couple of fascinating origins. One popular theory points to Native American traditions, where November was the traditional time for setting beaver traps. Another belief suggests the name refers to the beavers’ industrious activity of building dams before winter arrives, symbolizing preparation and diligent work.
From a spiritual perspective, this full moon is considered a potent time for building emotional and physical security. It’s an opportune moment to release old habits that no longer serve you and to strengthen your bonds with others, much like a beaver diligently crafts its home for protection against the coming cold.
When and How to Best View the Beaver Moon
The Beaver Supermoon will officially reach its peak fullness at 1:19 p.m. GMT on Wednesday, November 5. While the exact moment of fullness occurs in the afternoon, the best viewing time will be after sunset. Importantly, the moon will remain a stunning sight for several nights before and after its peak.
For those eager to catch this lunar marvel, here are some recommended moonrise timings from Forbes to ensure you don’t miss it at its most spectacular:
- New York: Moonrise at 5:19 p.m. EST on Thursday, November 6
- Los Angeles: Moonrise at 4:57 p.m. PST on Thursday, November 6
- London: Moonrise at 5:06 p.m. GMT on Friday, November 7
Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
Experts suggest venturing outdoors shortly after sunset and directing your gaze towards the east, where the moon typically rises. As Dr. Noelia Noel, an astrophysicist at the University of Surrey, wisely noted to Sky News, “You won’t need a telescope; your eyes or binoculars are enough.”
If you’re hoping to capture this event with your camera, remember to use your device’s night mode, avoid using the flash, and try to keep your camera as steady as possible. A tripod can be a great help for achieving sharp, clear shots.
Weather permitting, the Beaver Supermoon promises to be a breathtaking accompaniment to the UK’s Bonfire Night celebrations, offering one of the most memorable celestial displays of the year.