Skywatchers are preparing for a significant celestial event this week as the largest and brightest supermoon of 2025 is set to grace the night sky. On November 5, the full moon will coincide with its closest approach to Earth, offering a spectacular view for observers around the world.
This event, known as a perigean full moon, will make our natural satellite appear noticeably larger and more brilliant than usual. The phenomenon provides an excellent opportunity for both casual observers and seasoned astronomers to witness the moon in detail.
Key Takeaways
- The largest supermoon of 2025 will be visible on the night of November 5.
- The moon will reach its full phase at 8:19 a.m. EST, shortly before reaching its closest point to Earth (perigee).
- It may appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a full moon at its farthest point.
- The event coincides with the Southern Taurid meteor shower, known for producing bright fireballs.
- Saturn and Jupiter will also be visible in the night sky.
Understanding the Supermoon Phenomenon
The term "supermoon" describes a full moon that occurs when the moon is at or near its closest point to Earth in its orbit. The moon follows an elliptical path around our planet, meaning its distance from us varies throughout its 27-day cycle.
The point in the orbit closest to Earth is called perigee, while the farthest point is known as apogee. When a full moon aligns with its perigee, it appears larger and brighter in our sky. While not an official astronomical term, "supermoon" has become a popular way to describe this impressive sight.
By the Numbers
A supermoon can appear up to 14 percent larger in diameter and 30 percent brighter than a full moon that occurs at apogee. This difference is noticeable to the naked eye, making the lunar surface and its features appear more prominent.
The November 5 event is particularly notable because the timing of the full phase and the perigee are just hours apart. The moon will officially become full at 8:19 a.m. EST (1319 GMT), ensuring it will appear almost perfectly illuminated as it rises that evening.
How and When to Watch
The best time to observe the supermoon is just after sunset on Tuesday, November 5. As the moon ascends above the eastern horizon, it will appear at its most dramatic. An optical effect known as the "moon illusion" makes the moon look even larger when it is close to the horizon, framed by trees or buildings.
Viewing Tips for the Best Experience
- Find a Clear View: Look for a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon. Parks, fields, or hilltops are ideal spots.
- Timing is Key: Start watching around sunset. As the sky darkens, the moon's brightness will become more pronounced.
- Notice the Color: When the moon is low in the sky, it may take on a golden or orange hue. This is because its light travels through more of Earth's atmosphere, which scatters the shorter, bluer wavelengths of light.
For those unable to view the event directly due to weather or location, the Virtual Telescope Project will host a free livestream. The online broadcast is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. EST (1900 GMT), allowing a global audience to participate.
A Busy Night for Stargazers
The supermoon is not the only celestial attraction on display. Its appearance coincides with the Southern Taurid meteor shower, which is active throughout early November. While the bright moonlight may wash out fainter meteors, the Taurids are famous for producing exceptionally bright meteors known as fireballs.
The Southern Taurids
This meteor shower occurs as Earth passes through a stream of debris left by Comet Encke. The larger-than-average particles in this stream burn up brightly as they enter our atmosphere, creating slow-moving, long-lasting fireballs that can light up the entire sky.
Observers should look toward the constellation Taurus, which will be to the lower left of the moon on November 5. Patience is key when watching for meteors, and even with the bright moon, a dramatic fireball could still be seen.
Several planets will also be visible. Look for Saturn shining brightly to the south (to the right of the moon) as darkness falls. A few hours later, Jupiter will rise in the east, positioned below the bright stars Castor and Pollux in the constellation Gemini.
The Beaver Moon's Cultural Significance
November's full moon carries traditional names that reflect the changing seasons. In North America, it is widely known as the Beaver Moon. This name is attributed to the time of year when beavers are actively preparing their lodges for the coming winter, and trappers would historically set their traps.
Another common name is the Frost Moon, which signifies the first hard frosts that typically occur during this month. These names, passed down through generations, connect the lunar cycle to the natural events happening on Earth.
Tips for Photography
Capturing a great photo of the supermoon can be rewarding. For those using a smartphone, try using night mode and stabilizing the phone against a solid object to avoid blur. Tapping the screen to focus on the moon can also help achieve a clearer image.
For photographers with more advanced equipment, a telephoto lens is essential for making the moon appear large in the frame. Including foreground elements like a cityscape or a natural landscape can provide scale and create a more compelling composition. As with any night sky photography, a tripod is highly recommended to ensure sharp images during longer exposures.