
Skygazers, be ready for an unforgettable celestial event, as a supermoon will light up the skies throughout most of the world on Friday (November 15).
The upcoming supermoon marks the fourth and final supermoon of the year 2024, following August's blue moon, September's harvest moon, and October's hunter's moon.
What is a supermoon?
The term supermoon was first introduced by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979. It occurs when a new or full moon is within 90% of its closest to Earth. According to NASA, it appears 14% brighter and 7% larger than a regular full moon.
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The supermoon is also called the Beaver Moon. It will start appearing in the US at 4:29 pm EST. The moon will appear bigger and brighter for most people for a day or two before and after the exact moment of fullness, meaning on Thursday and Saturday.
Why is November’s full moon called Beaver Moon?
For those unfamiliar, Beaver Moon is one of the nicknames for the November full moon. The term originated from a variety of traditions and folklore in Native American and European cultures. In November, beavers used to prepare for the winter by fortifying dams and stocking their food supply.
Stargazers can use binoculars or a telescope to get a closer look at the moon's stunning surface. However, the best time to view it will be a few minutes after the moonrise, depending on your location.