Prepare for an exciting celestial showcase this week!
The Beaver Supermoon will reach its peak on Wednesday at 8:19 a.m. ET, as stated by The Old Farmer’s Almanac. However, the best time to catch this stunning sight will be in the evening. Look up after sunset for an impressive view.
The term “Beaver Moon” comes from the time when these industrious animals prepare for winter, reinforcing their homes and gathering food. Other names include the “Digging Moon” from the Tlingit people and the “Frost Moon” from the Cree.
This full moon is particularly special since it’s one of three supermoons this year. A supermoon happens when the moon is closest to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter. Dr. Alissa Bans, from Emory University, notes that while we might not notice the size difference, it’s a fun event to celebrate.
If clouds block your view, don’t worry! The Virtual Telescope Project will stream the moon live from Italy starting at 2 p.m. ET.
Another event to look forward to is the Southern Taurid meteor shower, peaking at 8 a.m. on Wednesday. While not many meteors might be visible—only about five an hour—Robert Lunsford from the American Meteorological Society explains that you can still catch slow meteors appearing from the constellation Taurus. In past years, this shower has even produced spectacular fireballs around Halloween.
Interestingly, the Taurids originate from the small comet 2P/Encke, which has a short orbit of just 3.3 years. Lunsford mentions that this year’s encounter is special due to fresh debris that could lead to more fireballs.
Despite the bright moonlight, there’s still a chance to see these meteors. For the best experience, find a dark spot away from city lights after sunset.
The Taurids are more visible in the Northern Hemisphere but can still be seen from other locations, though low horizons may obscure some meteors.
Here are some upcoming meteor showers to mark on your calendar:
- Northern Taurids: November 11-12
- Leonids: November 16-17
- Geminids: December 13-14
- Ursids: December 21-22
Keep your eyes on the skies this week for an extraordinary display! For full moon dates and times, check out the Farmers’ Almanac.
