The second of three consecutive supermoons will occur this week as November's 'beaver moon' peaks on Wednesday, Nov. 5. It will appear about 99% full Tuesday night, 100% on Wednesday and 98% on Thursday as it moves from waxing to waning gibbous. At its nearest approach it will be roughly 221,817 miles away; the name 'beaver moon' traces to Algonquin traditions and colonial practice, and November's moon also carries names like 'hunter,' 'mourning' and 'frost' moon.
Biggest Supermoon of 2025 Arrives: November 'Beaver Moon' Peaks Nov. 5
The second of three consecutive supermoons will occur this week as November's 'beaver moon' peaks on Wednesday, Nov. 5. It will appear about 99% full Tuesday night, 100% on Wednesday and 98% on Thursday as it moves from waxing to waning gibbous. At its nearest approach it will be roughly 221,817 miles away; the name 'beaver moon' traces to Algonquin traditions and colonial practice, and November's moon also carries names like 'hunter,' 'mourning' and 'frost' moon.
00:47, 04.11.2025Science
Biggest Supermoon of 2025: The 'Beaver Moon'
The second of three consecutive supermoons will brighten the night sky this week. Astronomers say November's full 'beaver moon' will be the largest and brightest full moon of 2025, reaching its peak apparent size and brightness on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
Timing and phases: Observers can expect the moon to appear about 99% full on Tuesday night as it sits in a waxing gibbous phase, reach full (100%) on Wednesday night, and fall to roughly 98% full on Thursday night as it moves into a waning gibbous phase.
What makes it a supermoon? The moon travels around Earth on an elliptical path, so its distance from us changes each cycle. When a full moon occurs near the moon's closest approach to Earth (perigee), it appears larger and brighter — commonly called a 'supermoon.' According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, this beaver moon will come within about 221,817 miles of Earth, making it the closest supermoon of the year.
The Oct. 6 full moon was also a supermoon, and the Dec. 4 full moon will be another, yielding three straight supermoons in 2025.
Origin of the name: The nickname 'beaver moon' comes from Algonquin Native American traditions and early American colonists, who named full moons to reflect seasonal activities. The Farmers' Almanac records explanations ranging from beavers actively preparing for winter to the timing of setting beaver traps in late fall before freezing weather. Other traditional names for November's full moon include the 'hunter moon,' the 'mourning moon,' and the 'frost moon.'
Viewing tips
- Check local moonrise and moonset times for your location — exact timing varies by region.
- Look near moonrise or moonset for the most dramatic appearance; when the moon is close to the horizon it often appears larger (the 'moon illusion').
- Use binoculars or a small telescope for more detail, and seek a darker site away from city lights for the best contrast.
- Consult the local weather forecast; clouds will affect visibility.
Sources: Old Farmer's Almanac, Farmers' Almanac, NJ.com