Why November’s full moon will be the brightest of the year & when it peaks over KS
The closest supermoon of the year will peak soon over Kansas, and it’s expected to appear especially bright, even for a supermoon.
November’s supermoon is also referred to as the “beaver” moon, as it occurs at the same time of year beavers tend to take shelter in their lodges, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Supermoons appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when the moon is at its furthest point, according to National Geographic.
A supermoon is defined as either a new or full moon that occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to earth, NASA reports, and supermoons are the “biggest and brightest” full moons of the year. Supermoon is not an official astronomical term, according to NASA, so definitions vary.
Discover Magazine reports the November full moon will be the closest to Earth of the year, at about 221,817 miles at its peak. The proximity is expected to make the moon appear brighter than usual.
The beaver moon will be the “brightest of the year,” according to Discover Magazine. It will be the second of three consecutive supermoons, including October’s “harvest” moon and December’s “cold” moon.
This month’s full moon is also known as the “digging” or “scratching” moon, the “deer rutting moon” and the “whitefish moon.” The almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources.
Here’s when to see the closest supermoon of the year peak over Wichita.
When will the beaver supermoon peak?
The beaver supermoon will peak over Wichita at 7:19 a.m. Central Standard Time Wednesday, Nov. 5, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Because the moon will be below the horizon at that time, you may get a better view the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 4 or Wednesday night.
AccuWeather’s forecast says Wednesday night will be clear, with a low of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The moon generally appears full the day before and after its peak illumination. For those planning to stargaze the night of Tuesday, you can expect clear skies with a low of 44 degrees.
The moon will rise over Wichita at 5:19 p.m. Wednesday night, according to online clock Time and Date. This will be the first full moon after daylight saving time ends Nov. 2.
When to see the last full moon of 2025
After the beaver moon, Kansas stargazers will have one more chance to see a full moon this year. The “cold” moon, which will be another supermoon and peak Thursday, Dec. 4.
The Kansas Astronomical Observers will host its monthly meeting from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 at Lake Afton Public Observatory. Visitors are welcome.
