The November full moon is approaching, bringing with it a breathtaking natural light display. This year's full moon will be recognized as the largest supermoon of 2025, occurring in close proximity to the peak of the Southern Taurid meteor shower, which is renowned for its spectacular fireball shooting stars. In North America, the November full moon is commonly referred to as the Beaver Moon, a name derived from the time of year when beavers become notably active in preparation for the winter months. Additionally, according to the Farmer's Almanac, it is also known as the Frost Moon.
The moon will reach its full phase at 8:19 a.m. EST (1319 GMT) on November 5, just hours before it arrives at the closest point to Earth in its 27-day elliptical orbit, a phenomenon known to astronomers as perigee. This alignment means that November's full moon will be the largest and brightest supermoon of the year. While the term supermoon is not officially recognized in astronomy, it is generally used to describe a full moon occurring within 90 percent of perigee, allowing it to appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a full moon that occurs at apogee, when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth.
To witness this stunning event, gaze towards the eastern horizon at sunset on November 5. The fully illuminated lunar disk will shine brightly against the evening sky, positioned near the stars of the constellation Aries. As the moon rises close to the horizon, it may display a beautiful yellow-orange hue due to the scattering of bluer wavelengths by particles in Earth's atmosphere.
For those who may not have a clear view due to cloud cover, there’s no need for disappointment. The Virtual Telescope Project will offer a free livestream of the full supermoon starting at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) on November 5, ensuring everyone can partake in this celestial spectacle from the comfort of their own homes.
The full moon phase illuminates the dark expanses of the lunar seas, making it an ideal time for exploration. However, the brightness of the moon can make it difficult to observe fainter deep sky objects such as galaxies and nebulas. On this night, Saturn will be visible as a bright evening star to the right of the moon towards the south at sunset, while Jupiter will rise to the lower left of the moon in the east a few hours later, shining below the bright stars Castor and Pollux in the constellation Gemini.
The November full moon also coincides with the peak of the Southern Taurid meteor shower, known for its impressive fireball meteors. These meteors appear to originate from the constellation Taurus, which will be located to the lower left of the lunar disk on November 5. This unique alignment provides a rare opportunity to enjoy both the full moon and the meteor shower simultaneously.
Photographers eager to capture the beauty of the full moon should refer to our comprehensive guide on imaging Earth's natural satellite. For those looking to enhance their astrophotography skills, don't miss our curated lists of the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography. Whether you're an amateur stargazer or a seasoned photographer, the November full moon promises to be a memorable experience.
