THEThis week’s November sky, fortunately clear, will offer a rare and fascinating spectacle: the Beaver Supermoon. Expected for November 5th, it will be the biggest and brightest of the year. A perfect opportunity to look up, be amazed and perhaps rediscover a little wonder, even among the city lights.
Super Beaver Moon: why it’s special
The term “Supermoon” did not originate in the scientific field, but has now entered common language to indicate a full Moon that coincides with its closest approach to the Earthcalled perigee. Simply put: the Moon does not revolve around our planet in a perfect circle, but in a slightly squashed orbit. This means that, at certain moments, it is closer to us than others. November 5th, at 11.27pm Italian timethe Moon will be approximately 356,833 kilometers from Earth, around 30,000 km less than its average distance. This it will make the Moon visibly bigger and brighter: it is estimated, in fact, that it will appear about 8% larger and 16% brighter than a normal full Moon. This, however, is only the astronomical data It also doesn’t mean that it’s the best time to observe it.
A curious name
As happens in these cases, the explanation is not unique: for example, the Full Moon in November it is traditionally called the “Beaver Moon” in North American culture. The name dates back to a time when, at this time of year, beaver traps were set before the swamps froze, to obtain their fur for the winter. But it is not, as we said, the only interpretation. Some, in fact, they link the name to the behavior of beaverswhich in this period retreat to their burrows for hibernation. Still others call it the “Frosty Moon”.because it marks the beginning of cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere. AND there are those who call it the “Mourning Moon”not so much for its proximity to the Day of the Dead, but for its symbolic meaning: a moment of reflection, of closure, of letting go of what is old to make room for the new.
A full Moon closer, brighter and full of meaning: the so-called “Beaver Supermoon” returns on November 5 (Getty Image)
Where and how to observe it
The best time to see the Super Beaver Moon will be just after sunsetlooking east, in the area of the constellation of the Whale. If the weather is favorable, it can also be admired from the cities, where light pollution often hinders the view of the starry sky. To best enjoy the show, you don’t need sophisticated tools. All it takes is a careful look, perhaps some good quality binoculars. It is better to avoid overly powerful telescopes, which show the details of the lunar surface but lose the overall vision.
An invitation to rediscover the sky
The The term Supermoon has no scientific value, but it certainly has an indisputable charm. According to the definition proposed in 1979 by the scholar Richard Nolle, a full or new Moon can be considered “Super” if it is at least 90% of the minimum distance from the Earth. The one on November 5th largely exceeds this criterion. Beyond the astronomical data, the Beaver Supermoon carries with it a deeper message, at least according to many traditions: the November full moon is linked to change, to the end of a cycle. An invitation, perhaps, to stop for a moment, look up and reflect on what we want to let go of. In any case, whether you are passionate about astronomy or simply curious, there is only one piece of advice: tomorrow night, raise your eyes. The Moon will be there, closer than ever.