The last supermoon of 2024 will soon be visible in the night sky. This event is known as the “Beaver Moon“, and is a must-see for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts. Supermoons are a special event when the full moon coincides with perigee, the point in the moon’s elliptical orbit where it is closest to Earth. This proximity the moon appears larger and brighter than normal, creating a breathtaking view.
The Beaver Moon has its origins in North American traditions. It was named by Native American tribes who associated it with the time of year when beavers begin to prepare for winter, building their lodges and gathering food. The full moon in November is also called the Frost Moon or Snow Moon, which marks the beginning of colder weather.

Beaver Moon (representative image: Canva)

This supermoon is particularly important because it marks the fourth and last of the year. The year 2024 was a delight for lunar and night sky watchers, with several supermoons lighting up the sky, including the Sturgeon Moon in August, Harvest Moon in September and Hunter’s Moon in October.

When can you catch a glimpse of the ‘Beaver Moon’?

Stargazers in India are in for a treat, as the event offers a spectacular view of the moon in all its glory. The last supermoon of 2024 will reach full illumination on November 16 at 2:58 AM IST. The best opportunity for Indian observers to catch a glimpse will occur on the evening of November 16, just after sunset, when the moon rises and appears in the sky. horizon. At this time the moon will look at its largest due to the ‘moon illusion’, a phenomenon where the moon appears larger on the horizon than when it is higher in the sky.

During this super moon event, there will be a cherry on top as the observers will get a chance to see the moon Pleiades star clusteralso known as the ‘Seven Sisters’. On November 15, the Pleiades will be at the moon’s lower left, and at sunrise on November 16, they will shift to the moon’s upper right.
For those planning to view the supermoon, it is advisable to find a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon, away from the bright city lights. This will enhance the viewing experience and allow observers to fully appreciate the moon’s brightness. If you bring binoculars or a telescope, you can get a closer look at the moon’s surface, revealing its craters and texture in stunning detail.