November’s full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here’s when it peaks and how it got its name.

When astronomy fans look skyward this week, they’ll get to see November’s Beaver Full Moon, the last of 2024’s four consecutive supermoons.

The 2024 series of supermoons kicked off in August with a rare one supermoon blue moon. After this month’s Beaver Moon, there won’t be another supermoon until late next year.

Why is the full moon in November called the beaver moon?

November’s full moon is called the Beaver Moon Old farmer’s almanac. The name was chosen because it is the time of year when beavers begin to seek shelter in their cabins after preparing food stores for the winter.

This month’s full moon also has several other names associated with winter and animals preparing for the cold weather. Other full names for the full moon in November are the Frost Moon, the Freeze Moon, the Grave Moon, the Deer Chest Moon, and the Algonquin Whitefish Moon.

When will November’s supermoon be visible?

The full moon is expected to reach its peak on Friday, November 15 at 4:29 p.m. EST, NASA said. The old farmer’s almanac detailed specifics moonrise times for various zip codes throughout the United States

About 96% of the moon’s near side will be illuminated by the sun on Thursday, according to NASA. On Friday, 100% of the moon’s near side will be illuminated. About 99% of it will be illuminated by the sun on Saturday and 96% of the moon will be illuminated on Sunday.

You don’t need binoculars or a telescope to enjoy the spectacular view.

What makes supermoons special?

A supermoon happens when the moon is both full and in the part of its orbit closest to Earth, according to NASA. The Moon’s distance from Earth varies between about 221,457 miles and 252,712 miles.

During this month’s supermoon, the moon will be approx 224,385 miles from Earth.

Supermoons appear larger than the average full moon. It corresponds to the size difference between a quarter and a nickel, according to NASA. Supermoons are also about 16% brighter than an average moon.

While all supermoons look bigger and brighter than the average full moon, there is some variation. According to NASA, the November full moon will appear 6.2% larger and 12.8% brighter than the average full moon in 2024.

When will the first supermoon occur in 2025?

Next year, expect three supermoons starting in October, according to earthsky.org. There will be one on October 7, 2025, followed by November 5 and December 4. Then the following new year starts with a supermoon on January 3, 2026.