On Friday, skywatchers across the United States will have one last chance to catch a glimpse of a supermoon before the end of the year.

November’s full moon, called the Beaver Moon, will appear larger and brighter than a regular full moon. The moon, which NASA says will rise at 4:29 p.m. ET on Friday, it is the fourth consecutive supermoon since August. The supermoon’s rise and set time will vary depending on the observer’s location, according to Christopher Palma, a professor and advisor in the department of astronomy and astrophysics at Penn State University.

“For Central PA, where I am located, the moon rises at 4:29 p.m. on November 15 and sets the next morning at 8:04 a.m., so it is visible for about 15 1/2 hours. For the DC area, the hours only changes by a few minutes,” Palma explains.

The Moon is considered “super” when it is full and its orbit is at the closest point to Earth, according to NASA — although the term “supermoon” is not official. Its appearance may lead to higher than normal tides, the agency says. The celestial phenomenon occurs three to four times a year – in clusters or consecutive full moons.

November’s supermoon will appear full for nearly three days, from Thursday morning until sunrise Sunday morning. NASA says. No special equipment is needed to see it, but the best views will depend on the weather.

“I’m definitely in favor of everyone observing the moon, and when it appears at its largest when it’s full, that’s the easiest time to observe it,” says Palma, adding that the people should use a moon map to identify features of the lunar surface. “A good place to start is to look for the Tycho crater.”

THE crater It is believed to be one of the youngest and largest craters on the Moon and can be seen as a bright spot on its surface in the lower hemisphere, according to NASA.

If you miss this supermoon, you won’t be able to see the next one until October 2025, Palma says. At that time, there will be three consecutive supermoons.

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