Skywatchers, mark your calendars! Next week, on November 5, 2025, at 8:19 a.m. ET, the Beaver Moon will reach its full phase, presenting the biggest and brightest full moon of the year. This fascinating lunar event is the second of three consecutive supermoons in 2025, following October's spectacular Harvest Moon and leading up to December's Cold Moon.
The term Beaver Moon is traditionally used in North America to describe the full moon in November. It derives its name from the time of year when beavers in the northeastern United States and Canada are actively building their winter dams, illuminated by the moon's glow. According to Timeanddate, this moon is also known by several other names, including the Frost Moon, Snow Moon, Trading Moon, Mourning Moon, and Darkest Depths Moon. Additionally, the Anishinaabeg people refer to November's moon as Baashkaakodin Giizis, translating to the Freezing Moon, as reported by the Center for Native American Studies.
This year's Beaver Moon will be particularly special as it will be approximately 221,818 miles (or 356,980 kilometers) from Earth, making it the closest full moon of the year. According to AstroPixels, this positioning means it will be the nearest full moon since February 2019. A supermoon occurs when the moon's elliptical orbit brings it closest to Earth, known as perigee, during a full moon phase. During this time, the moon will appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter compared to its farthest point, known as apogee, as noted by NASA.
While the moon will officially be full on November 5, the best views are expected on Thursday, November 6. Typically, a full moon looks its most impressive as it rises on the eastern horizon during early twilight, shortly after sunset. This effect is particularly pronounced for a supermoon, making this time ideal for moon gazing. To fully appreciate the Beaver Moon, it's essential to know the exact time of moonrise in your location.
On November 6, the Beaver Moon will be visible in the constellation Taurus, closely positioned near the Pleiades, an open cluster of stars. Additionally, the moon will also appear bright and full on Tuesday, November 4, providing ample opportunity for skywatchers to enjoy this stunning celestial phenomenon.
Don't miss out on witnessing the Beaver Moon, one of the most remarkable astronomical events of 2025! Prepare your cameras, find a good viewing spot, and enjoy the beauty of our celestial neighbor.
