The Beaver Moon is the nickname given to November's full moon, originating from the time when beavers are busy preparing for winter. This is also historically the optimal time for fur trappers to harvest pelts. The moon will peak this year on November 15 at 4:29 p.m. ET, providing a near-full view from Thursday night into Saturday. This supermoon, being closer to Earth, appears larger and brighter in the sky, enhancing its visual impact and making it a significant event for both casual observers and astronomers.

For the best viewing experience, observers should look to the skies on the evening of November 15. While the moon reaches its peak in the afternoon, it will appear nearly full and exceptionally bright throughout the night. The Beaver Moon will be positioned in the Taurus constellation, occasionally obstructing the view of the Pleiades star cluster due to its brightness. Stargazers in Tennessee and similar latitudes are advised to start their observation from Thursday night to catch the moon at its most splendid.

The Beaver Moon is not the only celestial event to look forward to. The Leonids and Taurids meteor showers will also be visible around the same time, with the Leonids peaking shortly after the supermoon. These meteor showers can provide about 10-15 visible meteors per hour after midnight, adding to the spectacle. This convergence of celestial events makes November an exciting month for astronomy enthusiasts, offering multiple opportunities for breathtaking night-sky photography and observation.