The year has been full of impressive celestial wonders and there’s more skywatchers can look forward to this winter! If you gaze up at the skies this Thanksgiving weekend, you’ll get to see November’s full moon shining brightly over the city, also known as the Beaver Moon.
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, it will reach peak illumination at 4:16am on Monday, Nov. 27, and will appear very close to a full moon the night before so keep an eye out for it on Sunday just after sunset. Its name comes from the time of year in which beavers start to take shelter in their lodges for the long winter ahead. Sadly, it’s also known as the season of setting beaver traps during the fur trade in North America.
Other names for a Beaver Moon include the Digging (or Scratching) Moon, Deer Rutting Moon, Whitefish Moon, Frost Moon and Freezing Moon.
A full moon occurs when the sun, Earth and moon align — with Earth positioned in the middle — causing the moon to be fully lit up and facing Earth most directly. Due to a “Moon Illusion,” the moon appears especially large to us just after it’s risen over the horizon.
There have already been 10 full moons this year and the Cold Moon on Dec. 26 will be the 11th and final one of the year. Make sure to be on the lookout for this month’s ethereal highlight of the Beaver Moon this Nov. 27! Happy moon gazing!