The November full moon — nicknamed the Beaver Moon — will be the closest and brightest supermoon of the year, coming within about 221,817 miles of Earth. It’s the second of three consecutive supermoons (Oct harvest, Nov beaver, Dec cold) and can appear up to 30% brighter than a distant full moon. In State College the moon peaks at 8:19 a.m. EST on Nov. 5, but best public viewing will likely be the evening of Nov. 4 or Wednesday night, when skies are forecast to be mainly clear with lows near 36°F.
Why November’s “Beaver” Supermoon Will Be the Brightest of 2025 — When to See It Over PA
The November full moon — nicknamed the Beaver Moon — will be the closest and brightest supermoon of the year, coming within about 221,817 miles of Earth. It’s the second of three consecutive supermoons (Oct harvest, Nov beaver, Dec cold) and can appear up to 30% brighter than a distant full moon. In State College the moon peaks at 8:19 a.m. EST on Nov. 5, but best public viewing will likely be the evening of Nov. 4 or Wednesday night, when skies are forecast to be mainly clear with lows near 36°F.
22:33, 02.11.2025Science
November’s Beaver Supermoon: brightest of the year
The year’s closest supermoon will reach its peak over Pennsylvania in early November and is expected to look unusually bright even for a supermoon. Known as the Beaver Moon — a name from the Old Farmer's Almanac that reflects the time of year beavers retreat to their lodges — this November full moon is the second of three consecutive supermoons (October’s Harvest Moon, November’s Beaver Moon and December’s Cold Moon).
What is a supermoon?
NASA defines a supermoon as a new or full moon that occurs when the Moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. While "supermoon" is not an official astronomical term and definitions can vary, these events typically produce the biggest and brightest full moons of the year. National Geographic notes a supermoon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when the Moon is at its farthest point (apogee).
How close will this moon be?
Discover Magazine reports this November full moon will be the closest to Earth of the year, approaching roughly 221,817 miles at its peak. That proximity is what will make it especially luminous to observers.
Other traditional names
The Old Farmer's Almanac and other North American sources list additional names for November’s full moon, including the "digging" or "scratching" moon, the "deer rutting moon" and the "whitefish moon," drawing on Indigenous, colonial American and regional naming traditions.
When and where to look in Centre County, PA
For viewers in Centre County, the beaver supermoon will reach its official peak over State College at 8:19 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, Nov. 5, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Because the Moon will be below the horizon at that exact moment, observers will likely have a better view the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 4 or later Wednesday night.
Time and Date lists the Moon rising over State College at 4:50 p.m. on Wednesday. This will be the first full moon after daylight saving time ends on Nov. 2.
Weather and viewing tips
AccuWeather forecasts mainly clear skies in State College on Wednesday night with a low near 36°F, making both Tuesday and Wednesday evenings good viewing opportunities. The Moon generally appears full the day before and the day after peak illumination, so plan for early evening viewing if you want to see the bright, low-horizon Moon.
More chances to see a supermoon
After the Beaver Moon, Pennsylvania stargazers will have one more full moon this year: the "Cold Moon," another supermoon that will peak on Thursday, Dec. 4.
Community stargazing
For group observing, the Central Pennsylvania Observers host free public sky watches. Their most recent posted event for the year was Oct. 4, but interested viewers should check the group's website or social pages for updates on future events and meetings.
Quick facts: Closest approach ~221,817 miles; peak over State College: 8:19 a.m. EST, Wed, Nov 5; best local viewing: evening of Tue, Nov 4 or Wed night; forecast lows ~36°F.