Catch the Final Supermoon of 2024: The Beaver Moon on November 15

The next Full Moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is set to occur on November 15, 2024. This event marks the final supermoon of the year, a phenomenon where the full lunar phase coincides with the Moon being at an especially close distance to Earth. The Beaver Moon will reach its peak illumination at 4:28 p.m. EST on Friday, November 15.

This supermoon will appear larger and brighter than a regular full moon, although the difference may be barely perceptible to casual observers. The Moon will be approximately 225,000 miles (361,867 kilometers) away from Earth, which is relatively close compared to its average distance. This proximity makes the Moon appear about 30% brighter than usual.

The name “Beaver Moon” originates from the traditional practices of the early American colonists and Native American tribes. In November, beavers would begin taking shelter in their lodges after storing enough food for the winter, and it was also the season for trappers to catch beavers for their thick, winter-ready coats.

This supermoon follows a series of supermoons that began in August, with the October supermoon being the closest to Earth this year. The next supermoons are expected to occur in 2025, starting in October.

The Beaver Moon will rise after the peak of the Taurid meteor shower and before the Leonids are most active, providing a unique astronomical event for observers to enjoy.