Hobby astronomers are in for a treat in November
Just weeks after the ‘Harvest’ supermoon loomed over London another similar spectacle in on the way. On Wednesday, November 5 the Beaver Moon will rise over London – only the second supermoon of 2025.
These are basically just full moons, but they appear larger in the night sky due to the moon’s orbit being at its closest to earth. Combined with the strange illusion of moons looking bigger on the horizon, they can appear up to 31 per cent larger than a normal full moon.
The end of 2025 will be a treat for hobby astronomers with loads to look out for once the sun sets. This includes the fascinating ‘Seven Sisters’ star cluster which is naked to visible eye and emits a unique blue glow, and both the moon and Saturn sitting side-by-side.
When can I see the Beaver Moon?
The Beaver Moon will rise in London at around 3.55pm on Wednesday, November 5. It will be at its largest around this time, but the spectacle should still be visible on a few evenings either side of the date.
Full moons get a different name in each lunar month, and it often originates from labels given to them by Native American tribes. Royal Museums Greenwich says there is disagreement around the origin of November’s beaver moon name.
Some say it comes from Native Americans setting beaver traps during the month, while others believe it comes from the heavy activity of beavers building their winter dams. Another name for it is the Frost Moon.
Other November highlights
Look out for the fascinating star cluster dubbed ‘Seven Sisters’ which is visible with the naked eye. You can spot the Pleiades between October and April, but they easiest to see during November and December.
You might assume the open star cluster within the constellation of Taurus the Bull consists of seven stars, but there are actually more than 1,000.
On November 1 and 2 look to the south west after dark and you’ll see the Moon and Saturn side by side in the night sky. In the last few days of November Sirius – the brightest star in the sky – will rise from the South East.
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