November 2025 Beaver Moon: The Brightest Supermoon of the Year

The Beaver Moon, occurring on November 5, 2025, is set to be the largest and brightest supermoon of the year. It will reach peak illumination at 8:19 a.m. EST, making it a significant event for stargazers across North America. This full moon is particularly noteworthy as it will be the closest to Earth in 2025, at approximately 221,817 miles away, which is about 2,782 miles closer than October's Harvest Moon.

November 2025's full moon is almost here. And it's the biggest, brightest of the yearEarth.comLouisville Courier-JournalPopular ScienceAustin American-Statesman

A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth, known as perigee. During this event, the moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the dimmest full moon of the year. The Beaver Moon will be about 7.9% larger and 16% brighter than a typical full moon, providing a spectacular viewing opportunity.

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The name "Beaver Moon" originates from Native American traditions, marking the time when beavers prepare their lodges for winter. This period was also significant for fur trappers, who would hunt beavers for their pelts. Other names for this moon include the Frost Moon and the Deer Rutting Moon, reflecting various cultural interpretations of seasonal changes.

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The best times to view the Beaver Moon will be on the evenings of November 4 and 5, as it will rise low on the eastern horizon. Observers can expect a visually striking sight, especially as the moon appears larger and more orange when near the horizon due to atmospheric scattering. The moon will remain bright and nearly full for several nights, allowing ample opportunity for viewing.

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November 2025 will also feature two meteor showers: the Southern Taurids and the Leonids. The Southern Taurids will peak around the same time as the Beaver Moon, providing an additional spectacle for sky watchers. The Leonids will follow shortly after, peaking on November 17-18.

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Astronomers emphasize the importance of this supermoon for both casual observers and serious stargazers. They recommend finding dark locations away from city lights for optimal viewing conditions. "The Beaver Moon is a reminder of the natural cycles that have guided human life for centuries," noted astronomer Lawrence Wasserman.

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While the supermoon is celebrated, some experts caution that the visual differences between supermoons and regular full moons may not be as pronounced as often claimed. The actual increase in size and brightness can be subtle and may not be easily perceptible to the naked eye.

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Following the Beaver Moon, the next full moon will be the Cold Moon on December 4, 2025, which will also be a supermoon. Stargazers can look forward to additional celestial events in 2026, including a "Christmas supermoon" on December 24.

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• “The Beaver Moon will come within just under 222,000 miles of Earth, making it the closest since 2019.” — Old Farmer's Almanac

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• “Supermoons happen when a new moon or a full moon coincides with perigee,” — NASA

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The Beaver Moon on November 5, 2025, promises to be a remarkable event, combining historical significance with a stunning display in the night sky.

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