The last super moon or Beaver Moon rises in Srinagar, Kashmir, India on November 15, 2024. Credit – Faisal Khan—Anadolu/Getty Images

TThe fourth and final supermoon of 2024, known as the “Beaver Moon,” will arrive this month.

The moment of the full moon will be visible on Friday, November 15, but the view will also appear full one to two days before. This supermoon will be slightly closer and brighter than the first supermoon of the year, which occurred in mid-August.

The supermoon will also occur at the same time as the Leonid meteor shower, which will peak Saturday evening. The Leonids peak each year in mid-November and stargazers will have the chance to see between a hundred and thousands of meteors whizzing through the sky.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is a supermoon?

A supermoon is not a rare phenomenon: it is visible three or four times a year. The phenomenon occurs when a full moon occurs at the time when the moon’s orbit is closest to Earth. During a supermoon, the moon appears larger and brighter than usual. It will also appear larger because of what some call a “lunar illusion.”a psychological trick of the brain .

Why is it called “beaver moon”?

According to NASAThe Maine Farmers’ Almanac began publishing Native American names for full moons in the 1930s, which eventually became widely used. One theory is that the name is inspired by the preparation of beavers for winter and the traps people set during the month to use their pelts as warmer clothing.

Where can I see it?

The supermoon will be visible worldwide and will reach peak brightness Friday at 4:29 p.m. EST. It should be visible without a telescope or binoculars, but it will appear full for a longer period before and after. Make sure you have a good preview: the next one won’t happen until October 7, 2025.

Write to Simone Shah at [email protected].