Catch the Last Supermoon and Leonid Meteor Shower This Weekend
Stargazers are in for a treat this weekend. The Beaver Moon, the final supermoon of the year, will shine alongside the Leonid meteor shower.
The Beaver Moon will be full at 4:29 p.m. ET on Friday. It will appear full until just before sunrise on Saturday. This supermoon looks bigger and brighter than usual. The name “Beaver Moon” comes from the time when beavers start to hibernate. This was also when people trapped beavers for their pelts during the fur trade in North America.
A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with its closest point to Earth, known as perigee. NASA states that a supermoon appears when a full moon comes within 90% of this point.
As the Beaver Moon rises, people might see a “moon illusion.” This makes the moon appear larger due to an optical effect. Scientists do not fully understand why this happens, but it involves how our brains perceive the moon’s distance.
What are the best times to view the Beaver Moon and the Leonid meteor shower this weekend?
Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Astrophysicist at the National Space Institute
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. Stargazers are excited about this weekend’s Beaver Moon and the Leonid meteor shower. Can you explain what makes the Beaver Moon particularly special?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely! The Beaver Moon is particularly special because it’s the last supermoon of the year. This means that when the full moon occurs, it will be at its closest point to Earth, or perigee, making it appear bigger and brighter than usual. The name “Beaver Moon” is rooted in folklore; it refers to the time when beavers traditionally prepare for hibernation, and also a nod to the fur trade era in North America.
Interviewer: What phenomenon can viewers expect to see when the Beaver Moon rises?
Dr. Carter: As the Beaver Moon rises above the horizon, many people might experience what’s known as the “moon illusion.” This optical effect makes the moon appear larger when it’s closer to the horizon compared to when it’s higher in the sky. The exact reasons for this perception are still being studied, but it relates to how our brains interpret the moon’s distance in relation to other objects.
Interviewer: In addition to the Beaver Moon, the Leonid meteor shower will be peaking this weekend. What can spectators look forward to?
Dr. Carter: The Leonid meteor shower will indeed provide an exciting backdrop to the Beaver Moon. It’s known for its fast and bright meteors, often leaving trails of light across the sky. This year, the peak activity will occur from Saturday night into early Sunday morning. While the shower will be visible until December 2, the peak offers the best chance to see those shooting stars.
Interviewer: How can stargazers best prepare to enjoy these celestial events?
Dr. Carter: I recommend finding a dark location away from city lights for optimal viewing. Bring a blanket or reclining chair for comfort, and allow your eyes some time to adjust to the darkness. As for the meteor shower, lay back and look up at the night sky—try to focus on a wide area rather than a specific point.
Interviewer: Are there any other celestial events on the horizon that readers should be aware of?
Dr. Carter: Definitely! Mark your calendars for December 15 for the last full moon of 2024, as well as the Geminid meteor shower occurring on December 12-13 and the Ursid meteor shower peaking around December 21-22. Each of these events provides unique opportunities for both amateur and experienced astronomers to connect with the beauty of our universe.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Carter. Any final thoughts for our readers heading out to watch this weekend’s events?
Dr. Carter: Just enjoy the experience! Stargazing can be a wonderful way to connect with nature and appreciate the vastness of the cosmos. Bring along family or friends, share the joy, and make some memories under the stars. Happy stargazing!
In addition to the Beaver Moon, the Leonid meteor shower will peak from Saturday night to early Sunday. This shower will be visible until December 2.
Mark your calendars for upcoming celestial events: the last full moon of 2024 on December 15, the Geminid meteor shower peaking on December 12 to 13, and the Ursid meteor shower peaking on December 21 to 22. Enjoy the show!