biggest Supermoon in Five Years to Light Up Skies This Week
Skywatchers are in for a treat this week as the full “beaver moon” rises, appearing as the largest and brightest supermoon since February 19, 2019. The lunar spectacle will be especially striking on Thursday, November 6th, offering a breathtaking view for those in North America and beyond.
Full moon names vary across cultures and seasons, with NovemberS full moon traditionally known as the hunter’s, frosty, or beaver moon, according to EarthSky. However, this month’s full moon is special due to its proximity to Earth – a phenomenon known as a supermoon. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit, called perigee.
This beaver moon is the second supermoon of 2025 and will be 100%-lit just nine hours after reaching perigee. Defined as being 10% closer than the average distance from Earth, the moon’s average distance is 238,900 miles (384,472 km). This particular supermoon will be a mere 221,817 miles (356,980 kilometers) away, making it the closest full moon of the year. for comparison, the February 2019 supermoon was 221,681 miles (356,761 kilometers) distant, and a “Christmas Supermoon” on December 24, 2026, will come even closer at 221,611 miles (356,649 kilometers).
To witness the full beaver moon at its best, observers should seek an elevated location with a clear view of the eastern horizon. the moon appears most impressive shortly after rising, around dusk. Here are some sample moonrise times:
* New york: moonrise at 5:19 p.m. EST on Thursday, Nov. 6 (sunset at 4:47 p.m.EST)
* Los Angeles: moonrise at 4:57 p.m. PST on Thursday, Nov.6 (sunset at 4:56 p.m. PST)
* London: moonrise at 5:06 p.m.GMT on Friday, Nov. 7 (sunset at 4:24 p.m. GMT)
Consult a moonrise calculator for precise timings based on your location.