@dw.science: The November Supermoon is just around the corner! On November 5 at 13:19 UTC, the Moon will be at its closest point to Earth. Seen from here, it will be14% wider in diameter. That means its surface area will appear almost 30% larger, making it correspondingly brighter. This full moon is also what’s called a ‘Beaver Moon’ – a term whose origins lie in a variety of traditions and folklore in Native American and European cultures. One explanation for it says November is when beavers are very active, getting ready for winter by building dams and storing supplies. In the past, November was also a good month to trap beavers, since their pelts are thick that time of year – excellent for making warmer clothes. Supermoons only occur 3-4 times a year, while full moons happen once every lunar cycle (synodic month: roughly every 29.5 days). Supermoons also have a noticeable effect on Earth. The closer the Moon is to our planet, the greater its gravitational pull. That can cause higher tides than usual. Want the best view? Look east as the Moon rises and use landmarks such as trees, monuments and mountains on the horizon to see the difference in size and brightness. Author: Anna Sacco #moonrise #beavermoon #Astronomy #astrophotography #dwscience

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Friday 31 October 2025 14:00:36 GMT