Don’t Miss It: Beaver Moon Supermoon and Taurid Meteor Shower Peak This Week

Beaver Moon and Taurid Meteor Shower — What to Expect

Stargazers are in for a busy week as November’s Beaver Moon — the second of three consecutive supermoons this year — and the Taurid meteor shower reach peak visibility. The Beaver Moon will look slightly larger and brighter than a typical full moon because it coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth. At its nearest, the Moon will be about 221,817 miles away, the closest full moon since 2019.

Origins and science

The name Beaver Moon comes from folklore recorded by the Farmer’s Almanac and other sources, reflecting Native American, Colonial American and European traditions: it falls when beavers finish preparing lodges for winter and when trapping was historically common. The Taurid meteor shower occurs as Earth passes through debris shed by Comet 2P/Encke. The shower includes two overlapping streams — the Northern and Southern Taurids — and the Southern Taurids are noted for producing occasional bright fireballs.

Timing

Forecasters say the Beaver Moon will reach maximum illumination on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 8:19 a.m. ET (Weather Channel). The South Taurids are expected to peak in the early hours of Wednesday, Nov. 5, between midnight and 2 a.m. local time (EarthSky). Note that because the full Moon is bright around that date, fainter meteors may be difficult to see.

How to watch

• For meteors: Get away from city lights, lie back or use a comfortable chair, and look toward the sky (no special equipment needed). Allow at least 30 minutes for your eyes to dark-adapt. The Taurids are known for slow-moving meteors and occasional bright fireballs, so watch for sudden, lingering streaks.
• For the Beaver Moon: Find an unobstructed, elevated spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon. The Moon is easily visible to the naked eye; binoculars will reveal more surface detail.
• Timing tip: The best chances to spot Taurids are shortly after midnight and before dawn when the shower peaks, but plan to observe for at least an hour if conditions allow.

Visibility caveats

The bright supermoon on Nov. 5 will make it harder to see faint meteors and may wash out much of the shower’s activity. If you want the best meteor-viewing conditions, seek a dark site away from artificial lights and keep expectations realistic: Taurids typically produce fewer meteors per hour than major showers, but their fireballs can be spectacular.

Sources: NASA, The Weather Channel, EarthSky, Scientific American, Farmer’s Almanac.