Why November’s full moon will be the brightest of the year & when it peaks over PA
The closest supermoon of the year will peak soon over Pennsylvania, and it’s expected to appear especially bright, even for a supermoon.
November’s supermoon is also referred to as the “beaver” moon, as it occurs at the same time of year beavers generally take shelter in their lodges, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Supermoons appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when the moon is at its furthest point, according to National Geographic.
A supermoon is defined as either a new or full moon that occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to earth, NASA reports, and supermoons are the “biggest and brightest” full moons of the year. Supermoon is not an official astronomical term, according to NASA, so definitions vary.
Discover Magazine reports the November full moon will be the closest to Earth of the year, at about 221,817 miles away at its peak. The proximity is expected to make the moon appear brighter than usual.
The beaver moon will be the “brightest of the year,” according to Discover Magazine. It will be the second of three consecutive supermoons, including October’s “harvest” moon and December’s “cold” moon.
This month’s full moon is also known as the “digging” or “scratching” moon, the “deer rutting moon” and the “whitefish moon.” The almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources.
Here’s when to see the closest supermoon of the year peak over Centre County.
When will the beaver supermoon peak?
The beaver supermoon will peak over State College at 8:19 a.m. Eastern Standard Time Wednesday, Nov. 5, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Because the moon will be below the horizon at that time, you may get a better view the evening of Tuesday Nov. 4 or Wednesday night.
AccuWeather’s forecast says Wednesday night will be mainly clear in State College, with a low of 36 degrees Fahrenheit. The moon generally appears full the day before and after its peak illumination. For those planning to stargaze Tuesday night, you can expect clear skies with a low of 36 degrees.
The moon will rise over State College at 4:50 p.m. Wednesday, according to online clock Time and Date. This will be the first full moon after daylight saving time ends Nov. 2.
When to see the last full moon of 2025
After the beaver moon, Pennsylvania stargazers will have one more chance to see a full moon this year. The “cold” moon, which will be another supermoon, will peak Thursday, Dec. 4.
For those looking to stargaze in a group, the Central Pennsylvania Observers host free public sky watches. The organization’s last posted stargazing event for the year was Oct. 4, but you can check back on its website for future events and meetings.
