On November 5th, skywatchers are in for a special treat – a full supermoon rising over Earth, set to be the largest and brightest of 2025’s three supermoons. This is a fantastic opportunity for both casual observers and those with telescopes, offering a chance to appreciate the Moon’s impressive scale.
What Makes This Supermoon Special?
The term “supermoon” arises from the Moon’s elliptical orbit around our planet. Unlike a perfect circle, this orbit fluctuates, bringing the Moon closer to and farther from Earth throughout the year. When a full moon coincides with the point in its orbit when it’s nearest to us – known as perigee – we witness a supermoon.
Understanding Perigee and Apogee
To grasp this phenomenon, it helps to understand the terms perigee and apogee :
- Perigee: The point in the Moon’s orbit when it’s closest to Earth, with a mean distance of approximately 363,396 kilometers (225,700 miles).
- Apogee: The point when the Moon is farthest from Earth, with a mean distance of roughly 405,504 kilometers (252,000 miles).
The November supermoon will be particularly striking, reaching a distance of just 356,980 kilometers (221,800 miles). This close approach hasn’t occurred during a full moon since February 2019, when the distance was even closer at 356,846 kilometers.
The Beaver Supermoon and Its Name
The full Moon in November is traditionally known as the Beaver Moon, a name rooted in Native American folklore. The moniker stems from the time of year when beavers begin to build their dams and prepare for winter, a visible sign of the changing seasons. Combining this with the supermoon effect gives us the Beaver Supermoon.
Don’t Miss the Upcoming Celestial Events
While the Beaver Supermoon is a highlight, there’s more to look forward to. December will also feature a full supermoon, dubbed the Cold Supermoon. While still a beautiful sight, perigee will be slightly farther at approximately 357,219 kilometers, highlighting the Beaver Supermoon’s particularly close and impressive appearance.
Seeing a supermoon is a captivating experience. Its larger size and brightness provide a unique perspective on our celestial neighbor, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of the solar system.
Whether you’re equipped with a telescope or simply gazing upwards, the Beaver Supermoon presents a wonderful opportunity to connect with the night sky
