The 2025 Beaver Moon, the final Supermoon of the year and the closest to Earth, reached its peak on Wednesday morning but will continue to shine brightly through the weekend for skywatchers across Pennsylvania and beyond.
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Beaver Moon reached peak illumination at 8:19 a.m. EST yesterday, November 5, when it was below the horizon for most North American observers. Still, the nights of November 5 and 6 provide prime viewing opportunities, with the glowing orb rising around sunset and appearing particularly large and luminous on the horizon.
This year’s Beaver Moon is also a Supermoon, a term used when a full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth—known scientifically as a perigean full moon. At just 221,817 miles away, this moon is closer than any other full moon of 2025, appearing up to 7% larger and slightly brighter, though the difference can be subtle to the naked eye. The striking orange hue often seen as the moon rises is part of what’s known as the “moon illusion,” a trick of perception that makes the lunar disk seem even bigger.
The November full moon carries a rich cultural history. Its name—Beaver Moon—originates from Native American and early colonial traditions, marking the time when beavers fortify their lodges and trappers once sought their thick winter pelts. Other Indigenous names for this month’s moon include the Digging Moon (Tlingit), Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota), and Freezing Moon (Anishinaabe), reflecting both the behavior of wildlife and the seasonal shift toward winter.
Even after its peak, the Beaver Supermoon remains a stunning sight in the early evening sky this week. Observers are encouraged to find a clear view of the eastern horizon shortly after sunset to take in one of nature’s most reliable spectacles as autumn begins its transition toward winter.
Source: almanac.com