The fourth and final supermoon of 2024 is set to light up the skies today, November 15, 2024 at 4:29 pm EST (November 16 at 3:29 am IST). This rare celestial phenomenon has been named the Beaver Moon. The supermoons earlier this year included the Sturgeon Moon in August, the Harvest Moon in September, and the Hunter Moon in October. This supermoon is believed to occur after the Taurid meteor shower and before the Leonid meteor shower.
Will the Beaver Moon be visible from India?
Yes, the Beaver Moon will be visible from India. As per reports, in India and most of Asia, it will reach its peak on November 16, 2024 at 2:58 am IST. However, viewers can get the best view of the supermoon just after sunset on November 16. At that time, the moon will rise about 20 to 30 minutes after sunset. This is the time when the "Moon Illusion" effect will make it look extra big and bright.
Why is the November full moon called the Beaver Moon?
The Beaver Moon takes its name from beavers (the second-largest living rodent), which are most active during that time of year, preparing for winter, building dams and storing food. In the past, trappers used to use beaver traps to get a supply of warm fur for the cold months ahead.
What will the Beaver Moon look like?
The Beaver Moon will appear as a bright, round disk of light in the night sky. However, its glow does not come from itself but from reflecting sunlight. It is said to look stunningly beautiful just after sunset, creating the "Moon Illusion" effect, making it look much larger than usual.
Is it visible to the naked eye?
When viewed with the naked eye, the bright light of the supermoon will obscure some of the stars in the Pleiades. Using binoculars or a telescope is recommended for better visibility.
