The Final Supermoon of 2024 Peaks Soon—Here's How to See the Beaver Moon

The supermoons that have lit up the sky this year have been pretty spectacular, to say the least—from the Sturgeon Moon in August to the Hunter Moon in October.

If you haven't had the chance to see these celestial events, you're in luck. The fourth and final supermoon of the year, the Beaver Moon, will reach peak illumination on Friday, November 15, and it's expected to appear bigger and brighter than normal, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac.

The names of the monthly full moons have connections to early Native American, Colonial American, and European folklore. The Beaver Moon received its name because beavers begin building their winter dams during this time of year to prepare for the cold season ahead. Because beavers are primarily nocturnal they use the light from the full moon to work on their shelters, according to TimeandDate.

Another common name for the Beaver Moon is the Digging Moon, which refers to animals searching for nuts and foliage and bears digging their dens for the winter. It's also sometimes referred to as the Deer Rutting Moon, as deer begin seeking mates during this time of year, per The Old Farmer's Almanac.

The best time to see the Beaver Moon is on Friday, November 15 at 4:29 P.M. EST, which is when it's expected to reach full illumination. As the supermoon passes the horizon, it may appear bigger than normal—a phenomenon known as moon illusion.