Watch the Beaver Moon: November’s Final Supermoon Lights Up NYC

Beaver Moon Shines Over New York City

Date: November 15, 2024
Location: New York City

New Yorkers can enjoy the Full Beaver Moon tonight, the last supermoon of 2024. The Beaver Moon gets its name from the time of year when beavers prepare for winter. It peaked at 4:29 p.m. EST today but remains nearly full through Saturday night.

What Is a Supermoon?

A supermoon happens when the moon is closest to Earth, known as perigee, at the same time it is full. Tonight’s supermoon will be about 224,385 miles from Earth, appearing 16% brighter than a typical full moon. You might notice a slight size difference, like comparing a quarter to a nickel.

Viewing Tips

To best view the Beaver Moon, look for it shortly after sunset as it rises. You can see the moon with the naked eye, but binoculars will help you see its craters and nearby stars more clearly.

What Else to See in the Sky

The Beaver Moon will be visible alongside the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the "Seven Sisters," in the Taurus constellation. The moon’s brightness might make spotting all stars in this cluster challenging.

Additionally, Mercury will appear in the southwestern sky soon after sunset, but it will set quickly. Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will shine at various times during the evening.

Other Names for the November Moon

While "Beaver Moon" is the most popular name, November’s full moon is also called the Frost Moon, Freezing Moon, and Deer Rutting Moon, reflecting the changes in nature as winter approaches.