The November full moon dazzled stargazers on November 5, 2025, as it emerged as the largest and brightest supermoon of the year, illuminating the night sky with its radiant glow. This stunning celestial event occurred just hours before the moon reached its closest point to Earth during its 27-day orbit. Commonly referred to as the Beaver Moon, this full moon marks the time when beavers become particularly active in preparation for the long winter months ahead. Additionally, it is known as the Frost Moon or the Digging/Scratching Moon, reflecting the season when bears begin to dig their winter dens, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
Photographers worldwide took advantage of this celestial spectacle, capturing breathtaking lunar portraits as the moon ascended over the eastern horizon on November 5. The moon rose near ancient landmarks and modern skyscrapers, offering a stunning backdrop for natural landscapes. For those who missed the spectacular display, there's no need to worry; the moon will appear nearly full for several nights following the event.
One of the standout images came from photographer Kevin McCarthy, who captured a detailed view of the Beaver Moon over Charlotte, North Carolina. Using a Canon 7D camera paired with a Sigma 160-600mm telephoto lens, McCarthy noted that he never tires of photographing the moon, especially during supermoons due to their proximity to Earth and enhanced brightness. “My goal when shooting a supermoon is to try and capture as much detail as possible,” he shared with Space.com.
On the same night, Omer Urer captured the moon rising over 5,000 miles away in Düzce, Turkey. His photograph showcased the moon against a neon-lit sign, revealing the mesmerizing ancient lava fields that darken the lunar surface. In Sydney, Robbie Pesiwarissa captured a stunning view of the yellow supermoon glowing above the iconic Sydney Opera House at sunset, a picturesque scene made even more magical by the clear skies.
In a remarkable blend of sport and astronomy, Luis Gutierrez snapped a photo of the full moon shining next to the floodlights of the Fernando Valenzuela Stadium in Hermosillo, Mexico, during a baseball match. Meanwhile, Thibaud Moritz provided a captivating wide-angle shot featuring the Eiffel Tower in Paris, illuminated by the moon's glow, as it peeked out from behind dappled clouds.
In Bogotá, Colombia, Juancho Torres captured the full moon rising high above the eastern horizon over the Monserrate Sanctuary on November 5. A composite image from Shandong Province, China, displayed the moon's silvery light shining through the heart of an artificial star. Lorenzo Di Cola captured the moon's unusual yellow hue near the summit of Monte Prena in Italy, a result of Rayleigh Scattering, a phenomenon that alters the color of the moon's light when it lies close to the horizon.
Other notable captures included David Balogh's well-timed shot of a commercial jet appearing to graze the yellow full moon near Budapest Airport, Hungary. In Gaza City, Mahmoud Abu Hamda photographed the moon illuminating the waters as fishermen navigated the calm coastal seas. Kirill Kudryavstev captured the moon hanging low in the sky over Frankfurt, Germany, with the bright craters of the lunar surface highlighted against expansive lunar seas.
For those who missed the November full moon, there’s no need to be disheartened. Both the December 2025 and January 2026 full moons will also occur during the moon’s perihelion, when it nears its closest point to Earth, promising a series of spectacular supermoons. Enthusiastic photographers eager to capture these upcoming lunar events can refer to our comprehensive guide on photographing the moon, as well as our recommendations for the best lenses and cameras tailored for astrophotography in 2025.
