Most dazzling supermoon of 2025 will appear on November 5 — Here's where to look
Why the Moon in November will be special and how to see the rare phenomenon (photo: Getty Images)
On November 5, 2025, the sky will be illuminated by the brightest supermoon of the year. This full moon is called the Beaver Moon, and it will be the most radiant of 2025. Astronomers advise not to miss this event, as a similar opportunity like this won't come again anytime soon. Here's what is known about the Beaver Supermoon and how to see it.
When to look for the Beaver Moon
According to NASA and SpaceWeather, the full moon will reach peak brightness on Wednesday, November 5, at 8:19 a.m. Kyiv time.
However, the best time to enjoy it will be on the evening of November 5, when the Moon rises above the horizon and appears especially large.
Astronomers explain that it will appear particularly large because the Moon will be at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, approximately 356,980 kilometers away.
That's why it will appear larger and brighter than usual. This will be the third and most striking supermoon of 2025.
Why it's called the Beaver Moon
The name "Beaver Moon" comes from ancient seasonal observations. At this time of year, beavers were busy preparing for winter, building lodges and storing food. People associated this period with their activity.
Other traditional names for the November full moon include the Frost Moon and the Falling Leaves Moon, as nature prepares for the onset of winter.
What a supermoon is
A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon's perigee, the point in its orbit when it is closest to Earth.
At this time, it appears slightly larger and brighter. The difference is about 7%, which may be barely noticeable to the naked eye, but the effect is enhanced by the "moon illusion." When the Moon appears near the horizon, it looks much larger and has a warm orange tint.
This creates a stunning autumn spectacle, especially if viewed outside the city or near water.
According to NASA, supermoons occur three to four times a year and always appear in sequence. For most of Earth's orbit around the Sun, the perigee and the full moon do not coincide. When they do, the Moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than other full moons.
The last supermoon of this size and proximity to Earth was observed in February 2019.
When other supermoons will occur in 2025
Astronomical observations show that there will be three supermoons in 2025:
- November 5, 2025 (closest to Earth)
- December 3, 2025
Thus, the November supermoon will be the main celestial event of autumn. It is a perfect time to see our satellite in all its glory.
Beaver Moon 2025: When and how to watch
Although the official full moon occurs on November 5, the best viewing conditions will be on November 6. The full moon looks most impressive when it rises above the eastern horizon right after sunset.
On November 6, the Moon will be visible in the constellation Taurus, near the Pleiades, a bright open star cluster. On November 4, the Moon will also appear bright and nearly full.
Sources: NASA, ESA, SpaceWeather, The Old Farmer's Almanac, EarthSky.
