Tonight's full moon: The 2025 Beaver Supermoon

The Beaver Moon of November 2025 is the closest and brightest full moon of the year, reaching peak illumination on Wednesday.

This supermoon occurs when the moon is at perigee, its nearest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, just 356,833 kilometers away. That proximity makes the moon appear up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than a typical full moon, with enough luminosity to cast faint shadows and wash out dimmer stars.

The term “Beaver Moon” originates from Algonquin and colonial traditions, marking the season when beavers build winter lodges and trappers set their final traps before rivers freeze. Other cultural names include the Frost Moon, Freezing Moon, and Whitefish Moon, each reflecting seasonal cues in different regions.

This year’s Beaver Moon rises dramatically near sunset, visible on both November 4 and 5, creating ideal viewing conditions thanks to the moon illusion, an optical effect that makes the moon appear larger near the horizon.

The Beaver Moon’s brilliance isn’t limited to sunset. In fact, moonset can be even more dramatic, especially when viewed from a west-facing vantage point just before dawn. As the moon descends, it often takes on a warm amber hue due to atmospheric scattering, similar to sunrise. This effect, combined with the supermoon’s enhanced size and brightness, creates a breathtaking finale to the lunar spectacle at dawn of November 6.

Scientifically, this supermoon is especially rare, not only is it the closest of 2025, but the moon will not come this close again until November 2034.

The event also coincides with the Southern Taurid meteor shower, adding extra sparkle to the night sky. Scientifically, supermoons like this one can subtly amplify ocean tides, known as perigean spring tides, though the effect is modest. With its rare brightness and cultural resonance, the 2025 Beaver Moon offers both a visual spectacle and a reminder of nature’s seasonal rhythms.