Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
There will three of them in 2025, but this one will be special!
The days are getting shorter in the Northern Hemisphere, and you might be inclined to cozy up on the couch or in bed as daylight fades and darkness takes over.
On the other hand, if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, you’re probably enjoying longer days and rising temperatures.
No matter where you are, though, you’d be wise to look up at the sky tonight — because you won’t want to miss the incredible Beaver Moon.
The what?
Yeah, we know — it’s a strange name for a celestial body, but there’s a reason behind it.
Each full moon of the year has its own nickname, inspired by seasonal changes and natural cycles. February’s “Snow Moon” and June’s “Strawberry Moon” are among the more familiar examples.
But November’s Beaver Moon has deeper historical roots, believed to trace back to both Native American and early European settler traditions.
The name marks the time when beavers are busiest, building dams and gathering food before the winter freeze.
In some interpretations, it also signaled the season when hunters would trap beavers for their thick pelts — once a valuable trade item.
What makes it so special
Full moons are not rare occurrences — they appear approximately once a month.
The Beaver Moon, however, is a supermoon. So, what does that mean?
The Moon’s orbit around Earth is not perfectly circular but slightly oval-shaped, meaning its distance from our planet changes over time.
At its nearest point, called the perigee, the Moon is about 220,000 miles from Earth. When it reaches its farthest point, or apogee, it sits roughly 250,000 miles away.
When a full moon occurs during, or within 90 percent of, its perigee, astronomers refer to it as a supermoon.
The term was introduced in 1979 by astrologer Richard Nolle to describe full moons that appear unusually large and bright.
Because of their proximity to Earth, supermoons can look up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than typical full moons, creating a dramatic view for stargazers.
You’ll get one more chance
Although the Moon will reach its full phase on Wednesday, the most impressive views are expected on Thursday, November 6. That’s when it will rise in the east just after sunset, glowing low on the horizon — the perfect time to capture its apparent size.
Experts recommend checking your local moonrise times to make the most of the sight. Seeing it shortly after sunset, when it first emerges into the twilight sky, offers the best chance to appreciate its brightness and scale.
The final supermoon of 2025 — the Cold Moon — will appear on December 4, closing this year’s series of unusually bright lunar displays.
However, it’s not expected to be as big or as bright as the Beaver Moon. So, if you have the chance, treat yourself to an incredible sight!
