Beaver Moon will be the year's largest, closest full moon

The full Beaver Moon will be the largest and closest full moon of the year when it reaches peak illumination the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 5, at about 8:19 a.m. Eastern, appearing roughly 221,817 miles 356,980 kilometers from Earth. Observers will be able to see the moon looking full on the evenings before and after that peak, and parts of North America may get the most dramatic view when it rises near dusk.

A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with perigee, the point in the moon's elliptical orbit nearest Earth. At its closest this week, the moon will be as much as 14 percent larger in apparent diameter and about 30 percent brighter than when it is at its farthest point, according to NASA. This Beaver Moon is the closest full moon since February 2019 and the second of three supermoons expected in 2025, with a December full moon also predicted to appear larger than usual.

Skywatchers do not need a telescope to enjoy the event, but timing and location matter for the best impression. A full moon typically looks most striking as it appears on the eastern horizon during early twilight soon after sunset, when terrestrial objects can create a size illusion that makes the...