How and when to see the beaver supermoon – the biggest full moon of the year

The biggest supermoon of the year will be visible in skies for multiple days next week. 

The first full moon of November is known as the beaver moon, and this year, it is also the second of three consecutive supermoons.

Here is all you need to know, from how best to see it to why it happens in the first place.

What is a supermoon?

Supermoons are essentially full moons that appear bigger and brighter than normal.

They occur because the moon doesn’t orbit Earth on a perfectly circular path.

Moving in an oval around the planet, the moon’s closest point to the Earth is called the perigee and the furthest is called the apogee.

It just so happens that next week’s beaver moon will occur at or near the perigee – which is why it will look larger and brighter to us on Earth.

Professor Sara Russell, a researcher at London’s Natural History Museum, told Sky News this is expected to be this year’s “biggest” supermoon of all, after last month’s harvest moon, and ahead of next month’s cold moon.

Why is it called a beaver moon?

There is a slight disagreement over the origin of the name beaver moon, according to the Royal Greenwich Museum.

On the one hand, it may date back to Native Americans setting beaver traps during November.

While others say it comes from the activity of actual beavers building their winter dams.

What is the best time to see the beaver moon?

The beaver supermoon will technically reach its full moon phase at 1.19pm on Wednesday 5 November.

A full moon in the middle of the afternoon may sound strange, but astronomers predict the phases of the moon on its orbital positions, not its visibility.

But do not fear, the beaver supermoon will truly come to life for us on Earth as the evening draws in. It will also be visible for a few nights leading up to the 5th and after.

The supermoon will also coincide with bonfire night in the UK, making the bright moon the perfect backdrop for all those planning to head out to any firework displays.

What will the weather be like?

It’s a bit too early to tell, but the Met Office predicts that the weather will remain unsettled into next week.

The forecaster says that the entire country could experience some rainfall, with western areas likely to receive the most.

Strong winds are also likely, but this could bring above-average temperatures.

The Met Office says equally, there could also be brief, drier interludes across the country, which could be the best condition to see the beaver supermoon.

How to get the best view of the beaver moon

You won’t need a telescope or any other specialist equipment to see the supermoon – your eyes will do fine, with binoculars more than good enough if you want a closer look.

Dr Noelia Noel, senior lecturer in astrophysics at the University of Surrey said the best way to view the beaver moon is to head outside shortly after the sun goes down and look to the east.

If you are unsure where east is, Dr Noel says to look roughly towards where the sun rises in the morning.

For those wanting to take a photo on a mobile phone, make sure you’re using night mode, turn off the flash, and try your best to hold the device steady – a tripod would be ideal if you have one.