Each month's full moon has a story, and November’s Beaver Moon is a particularly cozy one. The name originates from Indigenous peoples and early colonists, who observed that this was the time of year when beavers were most active before hibernation.
This year's Beaver Moon, likely visible around the U.S. tomorrow night, is an extra-special one: it will be the supermoon closest to the Earth in 2025, so it will look especially impressive.
How to see November's dazzling Beaver Moon
According to the Farmers' Almanac, the full Beaver Moon will reach its peak illumination and size at around 8:19am EST on Wednesday, November 5, so early birds on the West Coast have a chance to see it briefly light up the night sky. Otherwise, your best chance to spot it is the evening of November 4 and then its waning version the night of November 5. For a classic view, head to an open eastern horizon, where the moon will appear fuller and more golden. Check when the moon will rise in your area here.
Why it looks bigger (and why it really isn't)
If the moon seems abnormally large or vibrant, you’re not imagining things. But you also kinda are. The Beaver Moon is a supermoon, which is a more social media-friendly way of saying it's a perigean full moon, one that is closest to Earth during its elliptical orbit. And this year's Beaver Moon is the nearest full moon of 2025, just 221,817 miles from Earth. That said, it only looks about 7 percent bigger. What really boosts the effect is the “moon illusion” when it sits low on the horizon, and buildings and trees give it an exaggerated scale.
Where is the best place to see November's Beaver full moon?
Get outside early, because the best view happens right as the moon rises, when it looks biggest and most colorful. And you might as well take advantage of that moon illusion while you can! Your best bet will be any dark, open space (think wooded areas or beaches), but even a quiet street with a clear view works. Just be mindful of light pollution.
Also be mindful of what the Beaver Moon traditionally symbolizes: preparation, reflection and transition. In other words, this is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy a moment of stillness before the holiday rush.
Wherever you are, look east. The Beaver Moon is one of the most beautiful celestial moments of the year and, especially in the aftermath of moving clocks back an hour, a reminder that even as the nights get longer, there’s still plenty of light to go around.