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While we had to wait 10 whole months before finally getting to witness the first supermoon of 2025, we’ll get to enjoy two more before the year ends. And the next one is set to be the most dramatic of the three.
Not only will the next supermoon, known as a ‘beaver supermoon’, appear even bigger and brighter than the last, but it will coincide with Bonfire Night festivities. That means that fireworks across the city will burst and spiral against the most spectacular-looking lunar display of the year. Talk about two in one.
So, from what causes its luminosity to the best time of night to see it, here’s everything you need to know about November’s supermoon.
What is a supermoon?
The moon orbits around the Earth in a sort of egg shape rather than a perfect circle, meaning that it sits at different distances from the Earth throughout the month. A supermoon is when the moon is within 90 percent of its closest point to the Earth (AKA its perigee) at the same as the the sun, Earth and moon are sat in a straight line, ie. when there’s a full moon.
A supermoon can appear up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent more luminous than an average moon. An effect known as the ‘moon illusion’ can make it appear particularly large when it’s close to the horizon. November’s supermoon will be the closest full moon to Earth this year, meaning that it will be the biggest and brightest.
When is the supermoon?
This supermoon will coincide with Bonfire Night celebrations and appear in our sky on Wednesday, November 5. It’ll rise at around 3.55pm but will be at its closest point to Earth at 10.30pm.
Why is it called a ‘beaver moon’?
The November full moon is called the Beaver Moon after the fact that beavers are particularly active this time of year, building dams and stocking up on food for the winter.
What is the forecast?
Although some rain is forecast during the day on Wednesday, it looks like things should clear up by the evening. It will still be cloudy, though, so we may not get the best possible view of the supermoon this time around.
When is the next supermoon in 2025?
The third and final supermoon of 2025 will happen on Thursday, December 4.
The best places in London to see the supermoon
To see the supermoons in their full glory, head somewhere that’s high up and has an unobstructed view of the sky with as little light pollution as possible. Spots like Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park and Parliament Hill will all give you good panoramic views of the sky and Morden Hall Park is the best place to go for minimal light pollution.
Top tips for viewing and photographing the supermoon
There’s no need for any special equipment, the super moon will easily be visible with the naked eye. But like we said, the darker and clearer an area, the better. The best opportunity for a stunning photo will be when the moon is low on the horizon (either when it rises or sets), as this is normally when it appears the largest and when it has a dramatic golden-orange hue.
All the best London stargazing spots.
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