Closest Supermoon of 2025 to Illuminate Skies on November 5
On November 5, 2025, the largest and brightest full moon of the year, known as the Beaver Moon, will coincide with the moon's closest approach to Earth, offering a striking celestial display.
On November 5, 2025, skywatchers will witness the year's largest and brightest full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, coinciding with the moon's closest approach to Earth. This event, termed a supermoon, occurs when a full moon aligns with the moon's perigee—the point in its orbit nearest to Earth—making it appear approximately 14% larger and 30% brighter than when at its farthest point, or apogee.
The Beaver Moon will reach peak fullness at 8:19 a.m. ET on November 5, with the moon positioned about 221,818 miles (356,980 kilometers) from Earth. This marks the closest full moon since February 2019.
Traditionally, the November full moon is called the Beaver Moon, a name rooted in North American history when beavers were active in building their winter dams. It is also referred to as the Frost Moon, Snow Moon, and Freezing Moon (Baashkaakodin Giizis in Anishinaabeg).
This Beaver Moon is the second in a series of three consecutive supermoons concluding 2025, following October's Harvest Moon and preceding December's Cold Moon.
For optimal viewing, observers are advised to look eastward during twilight on the evening of November 5, when the moon rises near the Pleiades star cluster in the constellation Taurus. Checking local moonrise times will aid in planning the best viewing experience.