by The last supermoon or Beaver Moon will rise on November 15, 2024 in Srinagar, Kashmir, India. Photo credit – Faisal Khan – Anadolu/Getty Images
TThe fourth and final supermoon of 2024 – known as the “Beaver Moon” – will occur this month.
The timing of the full moon will be visible on Friday, November 15th, but the full moon will also be visible one to two days before. This supermoon will be slightly closer and brighter than the first supermoon of the year, which occurred in mid-August.
The supermoon will also occur at the same time as the Leonid meteor shower, which will peak on Saturday night. The Leonid Peak reaches its peak in mid-November every year and stargazers have the chance to see hundreds to thousands of meteors streaking through the sky.
Here’s what you should know:
What is a Supermoon?
A supermoon is not uncommon – it is visible three to four times every year. The phenomenon occurs when the full moon occurs at the time when the moon’s orbit is closest to Earth. During a supermoon, the moon appears larger and brighter than usual. It will also appear larger due to what some call a “moon illusion,” a psychological trick of the brain.
Why is it called the “Beaver Moon”?
According to NASA, the Maine Farmers’ Almanac began publishing Native American names for full moons in the 1930s, which eventually became widely used. One theory is that the name is inspired by beavers’ preparation for winter – and the traps people set throughout the month to use their pelts for warmer clothing.
Where can I see it?
The supermoon will be visible worldwide and will reach its peak brightness at 4:29 p.m. EST on Friday. It should be visible without a telescope or binoculars, but will appear full for an extended period of time before and after. Be sure to take a closer look – the next one isn’t until October 7, 2025.
Write to Simmone Shah at simmone.shah@time.com.
