Super Beaver Moon: the last full moon of the year, when and why the name?

November 15, 2024 will be marked by a new full moon that's a bit unusual in that it'll seem bigger than usual! If you've already heard about it this summer, that's normal, because every year, three to four Supermoons rise in our skies. This one will be the last of the year, and we'll have to wait until October 2025 to see it again! This astronomical phenomenon, known as a"Super Moon", occurs when the Moon is at perigee, i.e. closest to its orbit, the Earth, at a distance of around 356,500 kilometers.

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Described as 14% larger and 30% brighter, the Moon seems closer to us, but this is only an impression, as the change is not detectable with the naked eye. However, it is definitely a little brighter, which always makes for a dazzling sight to behold. The term"supermoon" dates back to 1979. That year, astrologer Richard Nolle decided to use the term to describe the phenomenon, which has since been adopted by NASA and the media.

Why this name?

Astronomers and scientists prefer to call it a"perigee-syzygy". Nicknamed the beaver's full moon, it owes its nickname to Native American tribes and to the little animal, which prepares for the cold in November by building dams and stocking up on reserves. It's also the period when hunters set their beaver traps to collect their fur, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac.

How to observe it?

At the end of November, the weather is likely to be less mild than during the summer, and rather cold, with the end of this autumnal mildness. You'll be able to observe it as soon as the sun sets, from 6 p.m. onwards, as night falls earlier and earlier after the autumnal equinox. The supermoon will be visible in the Aries constellation before disappearing at around 7.58 a.m. - ideal conditions for admiring the show with a little wool over your shoulders.

Although easily seen with the naked eye, a telescope or binoculars are highly recommended for a more detailed view. And don't hesitate to take to the heights of the capital for a superb view!