On November 15, the night sky will showcase the Beaver Moon, marking the last supermoon of 2024 and concluding a remarkable series of four consecutive supermoons that began in August. This celestial event, reaching its peak at 21:29 GMT, signifies the end of a unique cycle that has fascinated enthusiasts and sky watchers globally.
The term "supermoon" refers to a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its perigee, the closest point to Earth in its orbit. According to National Geographic, the concept was first defined in 1979. While supermoons themselves are not rare, witnessing four in a row is quite unusual. Since August, each full moon has coincided with the perigee, resulting in enhanced visibility and a noticeably larger appearance in the night sky.
Significance of the Beaver Moon
The Beaver Moon gets its name from the time of year when beavers in North America prepare for winter by building their dams before waterways freeze. This particular supermoon will be the most distant of the series, situated 361,867 kilometers from Earth, as reported by NASA.
When and How to Observe the Beaver Moon
The Beaver Moon will reach its fullness at the following local times:
- Spain: 22:29
- Mexico: 15:29
- Argentina: 18:29
- Colombia: 16:29
In addition, this event will nearly coincide with the peak of the Leonid meteor shower, which will light up the sky from November 6 to November 30, with its highest activity around November 17. This alignment offers sky watchers the chance to enjoy two astronomical spectacles in one night.
To maximize your viewing experience, it is recommended to:
- Check the peak visibility time for your location.
- Review weather conditions in advance.
- Find a spot away from light pollution.
- Use binoculars for a better view.
As we bid farewell to 2024, a year highlighted by an extraordinary sequence of supermoons, this final event closes the chapter. However, the coming year promises fresh opportunities to witness our natural satellite in all its glory.