The Largest Supermoon of 2025: When to See the November Beaver Moon

The Largest Full Moon of 2025 is Approaching

Stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts should mark their calendars: the next full moon, the November Beaver Moon, is set to be the most spectacular lunar event of the year. This particular full moon qualifies as a supermoon, and due to its proximity to Earth, it will appear as the largest and brightest supermoon of 2025.

This celestial event provides a unique opportunity to witness the Moon appearing up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the faintest full moons of the year.

Understanding the November Beaver Supermoon

The term “supermoon” is often used to describe a full moon that occurs when the Moon is near its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit. This specific alignment creates the dramatic visual effect that makes the Moon appear significantly larger.

What Makes it a Supermoon?

Scientifically, a supermoon occurs when the Moon is at or near perigee—its closest approach to Earth—while simultaneously being in the full phase. The technical term for this alignment is a perigean full moon.

Because the Moon’s orbit is not a perfect circle, the distance between the Earth and the Moon constantly fluctuates. When the full moon coincides with perigee, the resulting visual effect is striking, making the November 2025 event the most pronounced of the year.

The Origin of the “Beaver Moon” Name

The traditional names given to the full moons throughout the year often originate from Native American, Colonial American, or European sources, reflecting the natural cycles and seasonal changes of the time. The name Beaver Moon is historically attributed to the time of year when beavers were actively preparing for winter.

There are two prevailing theories regarding the origin of the name:

• Trapping Season: It marked the time when colonial trappers would set their beaver traps before the swamps froze, ensuring a supply of warm furs for the winter.
• Beaver Activity: It referred to the period when beavers were finishing their dam building and retreating into their lodges for the cold months.

Regardless of the exact origin, the name signifies the transition into the deep winter season.

Looking Ahead: The December Cold Moon

While the November supermoon will be the highlight, the next full moon following it also carries significant historical and seasonal weight. The December Cold Moon will occur on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

This moon is traditionally named the Cold Moon because it falls during the time when winter weather truly sets in, bringing freezing temperatures and longer nights. It is also sometimes referred to as the Long Night Moon, as it occurs near the winter solstice—the longest night of the year.

Key Takeaways for Stargazers

To ensure you don’t miss the largest and brightest full moon of the year, keep these practical points in mind:

• The Event: The November 2025 Beaver Moon will be the largest supermoon of the year, appearing noticeably brighter and larger than average.
• The Science: A supermoon is a full moon occurring near perigee, the Moon’s closest point to Earth.
• Viewing: While the Moon will be visible throughout the night, the best time to observe the apparent size difference is when the Moon is low on the horizon, shortly after moonrise or before moonset. This effect, known as the Moon Illusion, makes the Moon appear even more massive when viewed next to terrestrial objects like trees or buildings.
• Next Date: The subsequent full moon, the Cold Moon, will occur on December 4, 2025.

Conclusion: A Must-See Celestial Event

For those seeking to connect with the natural rhythms of the sky, the November Beaver Supermoon offers a spectacular viewing opportunity. Its status as the largest and brightest supermoon of 2025 makes it a significant astronomical event that requires no special equipment—just clear skies and a willingness to look up. By understanding the science behind the supermoon phenomenon and the history behind its seasonal name, observers can gain a deeper appreciation for the celestial mechanics governing our planet and its nearest neighbor.