The Beaver Moon on Nov. 4–5, 2025 will be the largest and brightest supermoon of the year, reaching perigee at about 221,817 miles with peak illumination on Nov. 5. It occurs as the middle of three consecutive supermoons and overlaps the peak of the southern Taurids, the ongoing northern Taurids, and the early phase of the Leonids. Supermoons typically appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than average full moons; no special equipment is required, though binoculars or a telescope enhance the view.
Beaver Moon: Biggest, Brightest Supermoon of 2025 Peaks Nov. 5 — Lines Up With Three Meteor Showers
The Beaver Moon on Nov. 4–5, 2025 will be the largest and brightest supermoon of the year, reaching perigee at about 221,817 miles with peak illumination on Nov. 5. It occurs as the middle of three consecutive supermoons and overlaps the peak of the southern Taurids, the ongoing northern Taurids, and the early phase of the Leonids. Supermoons typically appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than average full moons; no special equipment is required, though binoculars or a telescope enhance the view.
15:48, 03.11.2025Science
Beaver Moon will be biggest, brightest supermoon of 2025
The largest and most luminous full moon of 2025 arrives in early November. The November Beaver Moon will reach near perigee at about 221,817 miles from Earth, making it the year's biggest supermoon with peak illumination on Nov. 5, 2025 (Old Farmer's Almanac).
Although there is no strict scientific definition of a supermoon, museums and observatories commonly note these full moons appear roughly 14% larger and 30% brighter than an average full moon (Natural History Museum). This November event is the middle of three consecutive supermoons, followed by a December supermoon.
When and where to look
Stargazers can view the Beaver Moon on the evenings of Nov. 4 and 5, with maximum illumination on Nov. 5. Exact moonrise times depend on your location, so check a local sky calendar or an online almanac for precise timing. For best viewing, find a dark spot away from city lights; no special equipment is required to enjoy the sight.
Meteor showers in the same window
The moonrise coincides with several meteor shower events, so observers may see meteors alongside the bright full moon. The southern Taurids are expected to peak on Nov. 5 and continue through Nov. 12 (EarthSky). The Taurids are known for slow-moving, long-lasting meteors and are associated with comet Encke, whose nucleus measures about 2.98 miles (Space.com).
The northern Taurids run from Oct. 20 to Dec. 2 and have heightened activity around Nov. 9–12 (American Meteor Society). Meanwhile, the Leonids begin around Nov. 3 and continue through Dec. 2, with a peak around Nov. 17, 2025 (EarthSky).
Tips for observing
No special gear is needed to enjoy the full moon, but binoculars or a small telescope will reveal more lunar detail. A good pair of binoculars also helps when scanning the sky for slow Taurid meteors. Tim Brothers, an MIT technical instructor and observatory manager, recommends optics to enhance any stargazing session (USA Today Network).
Origin of the Beaver Moon name and other traditional names
The Old Farmer's Almanac explains the Beaver Moon name reflects seasonal behavior: November is when beavers finish storing food and begin sheltering in their lodges, and it was historically a key month for trapping beavers for their winter pelts. Different Indigenous and regional traditions give this full moon many other names, including Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota, Lakota), Digging or Scratching Moon (Tlingit), Whitefish Moon (Algonquin), and several Cree names that reference frost and winter conditions.
Some calendars list an alternate traditional name, the Cold Moon; Time and Date notes a Cold Moon rise date of Dec. 4, 2025 for their calendar designation.
Bottom line: Look for the bright Beaver Moon on Nov. 4 and 5, with peak light on Nov. 5. Expect dramatic lunar views and possible Taurid meteors, especially near the southern Taurids peak on Nov. 5.