Get ready for a breathtaking sight tonight—Australia’s skies will host the ‘Beaver Moon,’ a supermoon that’s not just big, but also incredibly bright. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many are thrilled, astronomers actually dread full moons like this. Why? We’ll get to that later. For now, let’s dive into what makes this celestial event so special—and how you can catch the best view.
This Wednesday evening, the November ‘Beaver Moon’ will grace the skies as the second supermoon in a trilogy of three this year. But what exactly is a supermoon? It’s not just any full moon—it’s one that coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth. Unlike its perfectly circular portrayal in storybooks, the moon’s orbit is oval-shaped, bringing it closer to us at certain times. This proximity makes it appear about 10% larger and significantly brighter than your average full moon.
But here’s the part most people miss: This week’s supermoon isn’t just any supermoon—it’s one of the closest approaches of the year. The moon’s orbit has a nearest point to Earth called the perigee, roughly 363,000km away, and a farthest point, the apogee, at about 405,500km. This time, it’ll be a mere 356,000km from us—8% closer than average—making it appear both larger and up to 16% brighter. Adam Batten, an astronomer from Swinburne University of Technology, explains, ‘This is the biggest the moon will look all year because it’s at its closest point in orbit.’
Now, let’s talk about the ‘Beaver Moon’ nickname. According to NASA, it stems from Native American and European folklore, tied to November’s historical significance as the month when beavers prepare for winter, and trappers hunted them for their warm pelts. The first supermoon of the year, the ‘Harvest Moon’ in October, also draws its name from seasonal traditions in the Northern Hemisphere.
But here’s the catch: While you might think astronomers would love this, Batten reveals, ‘Full moons are actually the worst time for us. They drown out stars and other celestial objects, making observations tricky.’ So, while the public marvels, astronomers are often left in the shadows—literally.
So, when’s the best time to see it? Batten suggests just after sunset. ‘The moon will be near the horizon, and thanks to an optical illusion, it’ll look even bigger,’ he says. ‘Our eyes use buildings or trees as reference points, making objects on the horizon appear larger.’ Technically, the moon’s closest approach happens after midnight for eastern Australia, but sunset is your best bet for that jaw-dropping view.
Now, here’s the controversial question: Should we celebrate supermoons, or are they overhyped? While they’re undoubtedly stunning, astronomers like Batten remind us they’re not ideal for stargazing. So, what’s your take? Are supermoons a marvel or a nuisance? Let us know in the comments—and don’t forget to look up tonight!
