Get Ready for the Beaver Supermoon

The year’s second and brightest supermoon, the Beaver Supermoon, is set to appear on November 5, which is also Bonfire Night. This supermoon will be the closest, biggest, and brightest full moon of 2025, appearing up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. It rises around 3:55 pm and reaches its closest point to Earth at 10:30 pm. The best spots to view the supermoon are high, open areas like Parliament Hill, Primrose Hill, or Greenwich Park, although the skies may be cloudy, and rain is expected to clear by the evening.

The first supermoon of the year might have made us wait ten months, but we’re getting spoiled with two more before the new year. And even better – tonight’s is expected to be the best of the bunch. The supermoon, known as a “beaver supermoon,” is projected to appear even bigger and brighter than the last one and will be framed against all the sparkle of Bonfire Night.

So, not only will we be treated to the most glorious lunar show of the year, but it’ll also be framed against fireworks setting off across the city. Without getting into too much technical detail, the moon orbits around the Earth in an oval, meaning it pops up at different distances throughout the month. A supermoon is when the moon is around 90 per cent of its closest point to Earth when the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned.

A supermoon can look up to 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent more luminous than a normal full moon. A mysterious effect called the “moon illusion” can make it look especially big when it’s close to the horizon. This evening’s supermoon will be this year’s closest full moon to Earth – so it’ll also be the biggest and brightest, too!

Londoners can expect a special display this November, as the supermoon is projected to be bigger and brighter than usual. The supermoon is on track for Bonfire Night, November 5, and will rise at roughly 3:55 pm but will be at its closest point to Earth at 10:30 pm.

Why is it called a ‘beaver moon’?

The November full moon is known as the Beaver Moon because beavers are especially busy this time of year, prepping for winter by building up their dams and stocking up on food.

How is the weather looking?

In classic London form, some rain is expected during the day on Wednesday, but it looks like that should pass over by the evening. It is likely to be cloudy, though, so the supermoon may be obscured in places.

Photographers across London are gearing up to capture a special shot of this November’s supermoon.

When is the next supermoon of 2025?

The third and final supermoon of 2025 is on Thursday, December 4.

Where should I go to see the supermoon?

The best place to go to admire the supermoon is somewhere high up with an unblocked view of the sky – and ideally with a bit less light pollution.

Top tips for photographing the supermoon

Fancy yourself a photographer? Well, you don’t need any special kit; any decent phone camera will do. But remember to focus on a dark, unobstructed area for the best view. If you’re feeling creative, think about framing it against the skyline. Or for those special golden hour shots, time your photo for when the supermoon rises or sets and is sat low against the horizon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Beaver Supermoon is a rare and spectacular event that offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of the lunar cycle. With its closest approach to Earth, it will appear larger and brighter than usual, making it a must-see event for anyone interested in astronomy or photography. So, mark your calendars for November 5 and get ready to witness the glory of the Beaver Supermoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a supermoon?

A: A supermoon is a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.

Q: Why is it called a Beaver Moon?

A: The November full moon is known as the Beaver Moon because beavers are especially busy this time of year, prepping for winter by building up their dams and stocking up on food.

Q: When is the next supermoon of 2025?

A: The third and final supermoon of 2025 is on Thursday, December 4.

Q: Where is the best place to see the supermoon?

A: The best place to go to admire the supermoon is somewhere high up with an unblocked view of the sky – and ideally with a bit less light pollution.

Q: Do I need special equipment to photograph the supermoon?

A: No, you don’t need any special kit; any decent phone camera will do. Just remember to focus on a dark, unobstructed area for the best view.