Get ready for a breathtaking sight tonight—Australia’s skies will host the dazzling 'beaver' moon, and you won’t want to miss it! But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this isn’t just any full moon; it’s a supermoon, and it’s set to be one of the brightest and largest of the year. So, how can you catch the best view? Let’s dive in.
This Wednesday evening, the November 'beaver' moon will grace Australian skies, appearing larger and brighter than usual. This supermoon is the second in a trilogy of such events this year, with the next one expected on December 4. But what exactly makes a supermoon so special? And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the moon being full—it’s about its position in orbit. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth, known as perigee. Since the moon’s orbit is oval-shaped, not circular, this alignment makes it appear about 10% larger and significantly brighter than a typical full moon.
Here’s the controversial twist: while many of us are thrilled by the sight of a supermoon, astronomers actually consider it a less-than-ideal time for stargazing. Why? Because the moon’s brightness can drown out the stars and other celestial objects, making it harder to observe the night sky in all its glory. Adam Batten, an astronomer from Swinburne University of Technology, explains, 'Full moons are the worst time of the night for astronomers because they block out everything else. But we do love that they get people talking about the moon!'
This week’s supermoon is particularly noteworthy because it’s occurring almost at the moon’s perigee, making it about 8% closer to Earth than average—roughly 356,000 kilometers away. Batten adds, 'It’s also predicted to be around 16% brighter than usual, so it’s definitely worth stepping outside to see.'
Now, you might be wondering, why is it called a 'beaver' moon? According to NASA, this nickname for the November full moon stems from Native American and European folklore. Historically, November was when beavers prepared for winter, and trappers would hunt them for their thick pelts. The first supermoon of the year, in October, is known as the 'harvest moon,' tied to farming traditions in the Northern Hemisphere.
But here’s the catch: while the moon reaches its closest point to Earth after midnight for those on Australia’s east coast, the best time to view it is actually just after sunset. Batten explains, 'When the moon is near the horizon, it creates an optical illusion that makes it look even larger. Our eyes use buildings, trees, or other objects on the horizon as reference points, making the moon appear bigger than when it’s high in the sky.'
So, grab a blanket, find a spot with a clear view, and enjoy this celestial spectacle. And here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Do you think the supermoon’s beauty outweighs its impact on stargazing? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
