What to know about this week’s Beaver Moon – 2024's last supermoon
There's set to be a full moon this week and it certainly has an interesting name.
Taking place on Friday 15th November, the Beaver Moon is set to be the last of four consecutive supermoons in 2024.
But how did it get its name and what does it mean? Below is everything to know about November's Beaver Moon and how to see it in the UK...
When can you see the Beaver Moon in the UK?
This year, the Beaver Moon will appear in UK skies on the evening of Friday November 15th and will reach its peak at around 9.25pm.
Being a supermoon, this should give you a better chance of seeing it, as they appear up to 15% brighter and 30% bigger than regular full moons. This phenomenon happens when the moon is closest to earth.
It's well worth trying to catch a glimpse of it too, as it will be the last supermoon of 2024.
How to get the best view
As you might expect, the higher up you are, the better your chance of a clear sky to see the supermoon. The same can be said for heading away from densely populated areas, which can have high levels of light pollution.
Dr Ed Bloomer, Senior Astronomy Manager at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, tells Country Living: "As long as the weather holds, the Moon should be pretty obvious when it is up. But the number one thing is to try and get into as dark an area as you can, away from artificial lights. For some that may be a back garden, or a local park, but it could just be switching off your kitchen light."
He also recommends waiting "a little for your eyes to adjust (a full half hour is best, but you'll notice improvement after just a few minutes)." And try not to look at your bright phone screen in between, "otherwise you'll spoil your dark adaptation."
With the Met Office forecasting cloudier conditions and outbreaks of rain at times on Friday, mainly in the north, it might be a bit trickier to catch a glimpse of this month's supermoon. But, if and when the cloud does clear, there should still be plenty of opportunities to see it.
What is a Beaver Moon and what does it mean?
Each of the 12 full moons throughout the year has its own name – from the Hunter's Moon to the Flower Moon – and November's is called the Beaver Moon.
"There are multiple sources for the 'names' of Full Moons throughout the year, often from agricultural societies, mythology, and similar culturally important ideas. Lots of the ones in common use come to us from Native American culture," Dr Bloomer explains. However, the Beaver Moon's origin is somewhat unclear.
It's believed that the name comes from the fact that November is the month when beavers start to build their winter dams. But there is some disagreement over its origin, as others argue that it actually comes from Native Americans setting beaver traps during this month to stock up on meat for the winter.
Either way, it is also occasionally referred to as the Frost Moon. And, depending on the year, it has another moniker – the Mourning Moon. But this only happens when it is the last full moon before the winter solstice.
In 2024 there is still one more full moon to take place, known as the Cold Moon, which will occur on Sunday 15th December, so this doesn't apply this year.
It's easy to see why there's some confusion when it comes to November's full moon. But don't forget to keep an eye out for it this Friday.
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