Get ready for a breathtaking celestial event! The night sky is about to put on a spectacular show as the largest supermoon of 2025 rises, coinciding with the Southern Taurid meteor shower. But what does this mean for skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts?
The November full moon, also known as the 'Beaver Moon' in North America due to the increased activity of beavers during this time, is set to reach its peak on Nov. 5. This moon is significant as it will be the closest to our planet during its elliptical orbit, a phenomenon astronomers call 'perigee'. As a result, it will appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon, earning it the title of a 'supermoon'.
Here's where it gets fascinating: the supermoon will rise near the peak of the Southern Taurid meteor shower, famous for its dazzling fireball shooting stars. Imagine the sight of a giant moon sharing the sky with these fiery streaks! On Nov. 5, look to the eastern horizon at sunset to witness the full moon's brilliance, possibly with a yellow-orange tint due to Earth's atmospheric scattering. The moon will appear even larger when close to the horizon, creating a truly memorable sight.
And the good news? You can catch all the action from home! A free livestream by the Virtual Telescope Project starts at 2 p.m. EST on Nov. 5, ensuring you won't miss this unique event, even if clouds obscure your view.
For those eager to delve deeper into the night sky, the Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope is a fantastic tool. It's perfect for beginners, offering clear views and automatically locating celestial targets. Around the full moon, the lunar seas become a captivating target, illuminated by the moon's bright light, though it can make observing fainter objects like galaxies and nebulas more challenging.
But there's more to this celestial spectacle. Saturn will shine as a bright evening star to the right of the moon at sunset, while Jupiter will rise a few hours later to the lower left, below the stars Castor and Pollux in the Gemini constellation. And don't forget the Southern Taurid meteor shower, which will be at its peak the night before the supermoon, with meteors appearing to radiate from the Taurus constellation.
Whether you're a photographer aiming to capture the moon's beauty or an amateur astronomer looking to upgrade your equipment, there's something for everyone in this cosmic event. So, mark your calendars, and don't forget to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Do you plan to watch the supermoon? What's your take on the controversy surrounding the term 'supermoon', which isn't officially recognized in astronomy? We'd love to hear from you!
