Skywatchers are in for a celestial treat as November brings a variety of astronomical events, including the Beaver Moon, the year's final supermoon, and a prime opportunity to spot Mercury in the evening sky.
The full moon this month, known as the Beaver Moon, will illuminate the night sky on November 15. This particular moon is named after the beavers who typically complete their winter dams around this time in the northeastern United States. The name has origins in Indigenous and colonial traditions, where November's full moon marked the start of beaver-trapping season, as the animals became more active in preparation for winter.
This year, the Beaver Moon will also be a supermoon, the fourth and final in a series of supermoons that began in August 2024. A 'supermoon' is when the moon appears slightly larger and brighter due to its proximity to Earth during its elliptical orbit.
According to NASA, supermoons occur when a full moon comes within 90 percent of its closest approach to Earth. During these events, the moon can appear up to 14 percent larger and more luminous than a typical full moon.
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The Beaver Moon will be positioned near the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the 'Seven Sisters,' located in the Taurus constellation.
Following the Beaver Moon, another highlight will be Mercury reaching its greatest eastern elongation on November 16. At this time, Mercury will be at its farthest point east of the Sun, making it briefly visible just after sunset in the evening sky. This elongation offers one of the best opportunities to view the elusive planet, which often remains hidden by the Sun's glare.
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Throughout November, Venus will also be visible low in the southwestern sky shortly after sunset. Meanwhile, Saturn, which had a close conjunction with the Moon on November 10, will remain visible nearby.
Notably, the last full moon of 2024 will be the Cold Moon, which rises on December 15. This moon, associated with the chill of winter, marks the twelfth and final full moon of the year.
(Image: NASA)