November’s Beaver Supermoon: 2024’s Final Supermoon

November brings the fourth and final supermoon of 2024, known as the “beaver moon.”

The full moon will be at its peak on Friday, November 15th, though it will appear full for a day or two before and after. This supermoon will appear slightly closer and brighter than August’s supermoon.

This supermoon coincides with the Leonid meteor shower, peaking Saturday night. The Leonids reach their peak annually in mid-November, offering viewers a potential spectacle of hundreds or even thousands of meteors.

Here’s what to know:

What is a supermoon?

Supermoons, occurring three or four times yearly, happen when a full moon aligns with the moon’s closest orbital point to Earth. This makes the moon seem larger and brighter. The apparent increase in size can also be attributed to the “moon illusion.”

Why is it called a “beaver moon”?

According to the Maine Farmers’ Almanac, which popularized Native American names for full moons in the 1930s, the name likely refers to beavers’ winter preparations and the trapping of beavers for their fur.

Where can I see it?

Visible globally, the supermoon reaches peak brightness at 4:29 pm EST on Friday. No special equipment is needed, though it will appear full for an extended period surrounding this time. The next supermoon will arrive at a later date.