When is the full moon in November 2024 and why is it called the Beaver Moon?

November's full moon, known as the 'Beaver Moon', will this year be a supermoon - an incredible visual spectacle for stargazers.

When a supermoon occurs it shines up to 15 per cent brighter and looks up to 30 per cent larger than an average full moon - a result of the moon reaching its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as the 'perigee', and contrasting with the 'apogee', its farthest point.

The moon will be its brightest on Friday, November 15, at exactly 9.28pm – so set an alarm and grab a warming hot drink to see the moon in all its magnificence.

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You should be able to enjoy the moon's glow as many places will have clear spells, so you should be able to catch a glimpse, according to the Met Office.

Why is November's full moon called a Beaver Moon?

It is customary for full moons to bear names which often originate from Native American traditions where the lunar cycles served as a vital timekeeping tool, as well as a description of human activities at the time.

In November, beavers are very active gathering food for winter, building dams, and preparing for the bitter cold.

The other reason it's called a Beaver Moon – and one that more reflects human activity, historically speaking – is because beavers would have been hunted for their fur around now.

How to see November's supermoon

There are several things you can do to get a better chance of seeing the full moon, according to WalesOnline.

Get up high: The further up you are, the better your chance of a clear sky to see the stars. Take a hike and explore the surroundings to find the perfect stargazing spot!

The further you are away from light pollution the better chance you'll have of seeing the stars. Moons always rise in the east and set in the west - so follow this direction in your search.

Do your research: Enhance the stargazing experience and download the Star Chart app, free on AR-enabled Apple or Android devices. Star Chart allows you to point the camera at the sky and will tell you exactly what is up there.