The night sky this weekend is set to dazzle skywatchers with not one, but two celestial events: the final supermoon of the year, known as the Beaver Moon, and the peak of the Leonids meteor shower. Both are remarkable phenomena that will light up the heavens, offering a visual feast for anyone with a clear view of the night sky.
The Last Supermoon of 2024: A Glimpse of the Beaver Moon
Tonight, November 15, 2024, marks the arrival of the Beaver Moon, the last full moon of the year and the final supermoon in the current cycle. Supermoons are a rare spectacle, occurring when the moon is at its closest point to Earth during a full moon. This proximity makes the moon appear noticeably larger and brighter, a phenomenon that skywatchers eagerly anticipate each year.
The Beaver Moon will reach its peak illumination at 4:28 p.m. Eastern Time, though it won’t be visible at that exact moment. As the moon will be below the horizon at this time, the best time to catch a glimpse of its luminous glow will be just after sunset. The moon will rise over the horizon and continue to shine brightly for the next several nights, giving sky enthusiasts plenty of opportunities to enjoy its splendor.
Historically, the Beaver Moon gets its name from early American and European folklore. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, it was during this time that beavers prepared for winter by building their dams. The name also references the time when beaver pelts were in high demand at fur trade markets. In addition to these cultural ties, the Beaver Moon marks a period when the first signs of snow appear in the northern U.S. and Canada, signaling the official arrival of winter.
This full moon holds additional significance for astronomers and skywatchers due to its supermoon status. A supermoon occurs when the moon is in the closest orbit to Earth, about 226,000 miles away. This proximity causes the moon to appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. The last supermoon occurred on October 17, 2024, with the Hunter’s Moon, and the cycle began with the Sturgeon Moon on August 19, 2024. After tonight’s Beaver Moon, the next supermoon will not appear until October 2025, making this an event not to be missed.
The Leonids Meteor Shower: A Weekend Treat
As if the Beaver Moon wasn’t enough, skywatchers can also enjoy the peak of the Leonids meteor shower this weekend. The Leonids are one of the most anticipated meteor showers of the year, known for their potential to produce a high number of meteors and for their unpredictability. The Leonids are the debris of Comet Tempel-Tuttle, which orbits the sun every 33 years. As Earth passes through the debris left behind by the comet, the particles burn up in the atmosphere, creating streaks of light across the sky.
This year, the Leonids are expected to peak on Sunday night, November 17, and into the early hours of Monday morning. Although the peak of the meteor shower will happen in the late hours, meteors can be visible throughout the weekend, beginning on Saturday night and continuing into early Monday. Those planning to watch the Leonids should head to a location with minimal light pollution, as the Beaver Moon’s bright glow could potentially obscure some of the meteors.
Typically, the Leonids produce about 10 to 15 meteors per hour during its peak. However, every few decades, the Leonid meteor shower has been known to erupt in a dazzling display with rates soaring into the hundreds per hour. This unpredictability makes the Leonids one of the most exciting meteor showers to observe, as you never know when the next meteor will streak across the sky. Although this year’s display might not reach those rare heights, the chances of spotting shooting stars remain high, especially in the hours after midnight when the skies are darkest.
Tips for Observing the Beaver Moon and Leonids Meteor Shower
For those eager to catch both the Beaver Moon and the Leonid meteor shower, there are a few tips that can help maximize the experience:
- Location, Location, Location: The best places to view both events are areas far from city lights. Light pollution can diminish the brightness of the supermoon and obscure the visibility of meteors, so find a dark spot, preferably with a clear view of the eastern and southeastern skies, where the moon will rise.
- Timing is Everything: While the Beaver Moon will rise shortly after sunset, the Leonids will be most visible during the late-night hours, particularly from midnight to 4 a.m. Prepare for a long night of stargazing if you wish to catch both events in their full glory.
- Bring Binoculars or a Telescope: While the Beaver Moon will be spectacular to see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience, allowing you to view its craters and surface in more detail. However, keep in mind that the Leonids will be best enjoyed with the naked eye, as meteors are fleeting and difficult to track through binoculars.
- Dress Warmly: November nights can be chilly, especially if you’re planning to stay out for an extended period of time. Make sure to bundle up to stay comfortable while you enjoy the celestial wonders overhead.
- Be Patient: Meteor showers require patience, as the meteors are unpredictable. While the Leonids are known for their bright streaks, the meteors can vary in intensity. Relax, enjoy the calm of the night, and let the stars do their show.
The Final Supermoon of 2024
The Beaver Moon marks the end of a cycle of supermoons in 2024. This year, skywatchers were treated to four consecutive supermoons, beginning with the Sturgeon Moon in August, followed by the Harvest Moon in September and the Hunter’s Moon in October. Supermoons occur when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, resulting in a larger, brighter appearance. These four supermoons of 2024 are the last for the next several years, with the next supermoon not appearing until October 2025.
While the Beaver Moon is the final supermoon of the year, it also serves as a reminder of the cyclic nature of the lunar calendar. Supermoons are relatively rare, but their occurrence in close succession is even rarer, making this November’s full moon a particularly special event to witness.
As the weekend approaches, be sure to set aside some time to look up at the night sky and enjoy the celestial gifts that await. The Beaver Moon will light up the sky tonight, and the Leonids meteor shower will continue to provide a stunning spectacle through Sunday night into Monday morning. Whether you’re an experienced stargazer or a casual observer, these events are sure to leave you in awe of the beauty of the universe.
