The Beaver Supermoon, the first full moon of November 2025, is set to illuminate the night skies in both the United States and the United Kingdom next week. Known for its exceptional brightness and apparent size, this year’s beaver moon will be the biggest supermoon of 2025.

According to astronomers, the moon will reach its full phase at 1:19 p.m. GMT on Wednesday, November 5, but it will appear most striking after sunset when it rises in the eastern sky. This will be the second in a trio of consecutive supermoons, following October’s Harvest Moon and preceding December’s Cold Moon, as mentioned in a report by Sky News.

Also Read: November 2025 Monthly Horoscope: Here’s how Beaver Moon and Mercury retrograde may bring turbulence for each zodiac sign

Beaver Moon: Origins and Meaning Behind the Name

The term Beaver Moon is believed to have originated with Native American tribes who set traps for beavers during this time to secure warm furs for winter. Some interpretations also suggest the name comes from the heightened activity of beavers themselves, who are busy building their dams before the onset of freezing temperatures.

The Royal Observatory in Greenwich notes that November’s full moon has long symbolized preparation, hard work, and the rhythm of nature — marking the final weeks before winter’s deep chill settles in.

What Makes the Beaver Supermoon So Big and Bright?

A supermoon occurs when the moon’s orbit brings it closer to Earth, a point known as perigee. Because the moon’s orbit is slightly elliptical rather than perfectly circular, its distance from Earth changes throughout the month. When a full moon coincides with this perigee, the result is a noticeably larger and brighter lunar appearance.

Experts estimate that this year’s Beaver Supermoon will appear around 10% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon, offering a rare spectacle for sky watchers.

Professor Sara Russell from London’s Natural History Museum described the 2025 Beaver Moon as “the year’s most visually impressive lunar event,” especially given its alignment with bonfire night celebrations in the UK, as per the Sky News report.

City-Wise Timings for the Beaver Supermoon

To experience the Beaver Supermoon at its peak, it’s best to catch it at moonrise when it appears closest to the horizon. The effect, often called the moon illusion, makes the moon seem even larger against the landscape.

Here are the approximate timings for moonrise across major cities:

• New York, USA: Sunset at 4:47 p.m. EST; Moonrise at 5:19 p.m. EST on Thursday, November 6
  
• Los Angeles, USA: Sunset at 4:56 p.m. PST; Moonrise at 4:57 p.m. PST on Thursday, November 6
  
• London, UK: Sunset at 4:24 p.m. GMT; Moonrise at 5:06 p.m. GMT on Friday, November 7
  

For the best view, astronomers recommend heading to open spaces, elevated spots, or east-facing coastlines free of city lights.

Best Way to View and Photograph the November Full Moon

No special equipment is needed to view the Beaver Supermoon, the naked eye offers a perfect experience. However, binoculars or a small telescope can reveal intricate details of the lunar surface, such as craters and ridges.

For photography enthusiasts, experts suggest using night mode, switching flash off, and stabilizing the camera on a tripod for clear shots.

Weather Conditions and Visibility Forecast

While the UK’s Met Office forecasts some unsettled weather, brief clear spells may allow sky watchers to catch stunning glimpses of the supermoon between passing clouds. In the US, clearer skies are expected across the Midwest and Southwest, though parts of the East Coast may face light rain.

FAQs

When will the Beaver Supermoon 2025 occur?

The Beaver Supermoon will reach its full phase at 1:19 p.m. GMT on November 5, 2025, and will be visible on the evenings of November 5–7.

Why is it called a Beaver Moon?

The name comes from Native American traditions, referring either to the time when beaver traps were set or when beavers actively built their dams before winter.