- Skywatchers across India will be treated to a dazzling celestial event on November 5, 2025 , when the Beaver Supermoon —the year’s largest and brightest full moon—illuminates the night sky. This phenomenon occurs when the Moon reaches perigee , its closest point to Earth, coinciding with the full moon phase. The result is a noticeably larger and brighter lunar display that can be observed easily with the naked eye.
What Makes It a Supermoon
- A supermoon happens when the full moon aligns with the Moon’s perigee in its elliptical orbit around Earth. During this time, the Moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than an average full moon. According to NASA , this striking visual effect is due to the Moon’s varying distance from Earth throughout its orbit, creating occasional close approaches that amplify its apparent size and brightness.
Why It’s Called the Beaver Moon
- The November full moon is traditionally known as the “Beaver Moon” in Native American folklore . It marked the period when beavers prepared for winter by building and repairing their dams before the onset of freezing weather. Over time, the term has come to represent November’s full moon, and when it coincides with a supermoon—as in 2025—it’s popularly called the Beaver Supermoon .
Peak Visibility and Timings in India
- The Beaver Supermoon 2025 will reach its peak brightness at 6:49 pm IST (13:19 UTC) on November 5 , when the Moon will be just 357,000 kilometres from Earth , its closest approach of the year. It will be clearly visible across India shortly after moonrise and will remain luminous throughout the night, depending on local weather and visibility conditions.
Viewing Tips and Celestial Significance
- No telescopes or special equipment are required to view the event. The best viewing experience can be enjoyed from open areas such as rooftops, fields, or parks away from city lights. The Beaver Supermoon will be the second of three consecutive supermoons in 2025, with the next one appearing in December. Its brilliance and cultural symbolism make it one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the year.
Key Facts for Exams:
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Date: November 5, 2025
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Peak Time: 6:49 pm IST
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Distance: ~357,000 km from Earth
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Second of three supermoons in 2025
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Origin of name: Native American seasonal tradition
Month: Current Affairs - November 03, 2025
Category: astronomy and space science