Skygazers around the globe are in for a treat this week as the final supermoon of the year graces the night sky. This rare celestial event will see the moon pass within approximately 225,000 miles of Earth on Thursday, appearing larger and brighter than usual. While the supermoon will officially reach its full lunar phase on Friday, the spectacle can be enjoyed a day before and after its peak.
The upcoming supermoon coincides with the Leonid meteor shower, which is set to reach its peak on Saturday night and into early Sunday. According to the American Meteor Society, this combination promises a dazzling display for those who are lucky enough to witness it.
Known as the “beaver moon,” the full moon in November signifies the start of the animal’s hibernating season. NASA’s Noah Petro explains that while the moon will reach its fullest point on Friday at 4:29 pm Eastern Time, it will still be visible to the naked eye before and after this time.
A supermoon occurs when a full lunar phase aligns with a close orbit around Earth, resulting in a larger and brighter appearance. This phenomenon occurs only a few times a year due to the moon’s elliptical orbit. The November supermoon will be slightly farther away than the previous one in October, which was the closest of 2024 and captured in stunning photographs worldwide.
Weather permitting, skywatchers in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres will have the opportunity to witness the beaver moon and potentially catch a glimpse of a Leonid meteor streaking across the night sky. Whether you witness the supermoon at its peak or a day before or after, the beauty of the celestial event is sure to leave a lasting impression.
