The November supermoon, known as the beaver moon, reaches peak illumination on November 5, 2025, at 1:19 pm GMT, or 10:19 am Brasília time. This astronomical event occurs when the full moon positions itself at the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, approximately 356,980 kilometers away. The moon appears larger and brighter than usual, marking the second consecutive supermoon of the year, after October.
Astronomers highlight that this supermoon is the biggest of 2025, surpassing the previous ones and those of December and January 2026. The phenomenon coincides with the peak of the southern Taurid meteor shower, which activates debris from comet Encke and produces up to five meteors per hour, in addition to visible fireballs. Observers in the northern hemisphere, including Brazil, will have ideal conditions to view the spectacle after dark.
The beaver moon appears in the constellation of Taurus, close to the star Aldebaran and the Pleiades, making it easy to locate. With autumn in the northern hemisphere, the lunar disk may display orange tones at sunrise, due to atmospheric refraction. This alignment with the Taurids offers a rare opportunity to combine lunar and meteor observation in a single night.
Origin of the name beaver moon
The term beaver moon derives from North American indigenous and colonial traditions, referring to the period when beavers build dams before the harsh winter. In North America, November marks the beginning of frost and animal preparation for the cold, with beavers storing food in underwater lodges.
During the fur trade in the 18th century, hunters captured beavers at this timedue to their thick coats, adapted to the cold. The Old Farmer’s Almanac popularized the name in the 1930s, compiling European and native folklore. Other nicknames include frost moon or freezing moon, reflecting the advance of autumn.
What defines a supermoon
Supermoons occur when the full moon aligns with perigee, the closest orbital point to Earth. In 2025, three consecutive events form the sequence: September, November and December, with the next cycle only in 2026.
The reduced distance, of around 356 thousand kilometers, amplifies the apparent diameter by up to 14% and the brightness by 30%, according to NASA. This optical illusion is most noticeable on the horizon, where the atmosphere scatters red light, creating the orange effect.
South Taurid meteor shower in focus
The southern Taurids are active from September 10th to November 20th, peaking on November 5th at 1pm UTC. Originating from comet 2P/Encke, they travel at 29 km/s, producing slow and persistent meteors.
- Hourly zenithal rate: about 5 meteors under dark skies.
- Duration: active until November, with overlap with the northern Taurids.
- Fireballs:2025 is a year of swarm, increasing the chance of brilliant events.
The full moon interferes minimally after noon, but observers should prioritize locations without light pollution.
The peak of the northern Taurids follows on November 12, doubling the activity with the southern ones in overlap. Both radiate from Taurus, visible after midnight in Brazil.
Observing the northern Taurids
The northern Taurids extend from October 20th to December 10th, reaching a maximum on November 12th. Similar to the southern ones, they derive from the same comet, but with a slightly different trajectory.
Meteors enter the atmosphere at a shallow angle, prolonging visible trails for seconds. In years like 2025, the swarm of fireballs increases reports of luminous events.
Start of the Leonid rain
The Leonid meteor shower begins on November 6th and continues until November 30th, peaking on November 17th. Associated with comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, it releases particles the size of grains of sand that incinerate at 70 km/s.
- Radiant: constellation Leo, visible after midnight.
- Expected rate: 10 to 15 meteors per hour in ideal conditions.
- History: known for storms in 1833 and 1966, with thousands per minute.
The waning crescent moon on November 17th minimizes interference, favoring clear views in thedawn.
Leonides are famous for their speed and green glow, resulting from magnesium ionization. Observers in Brazil can capture peaks after 1 am local times.
November lunar phases
Moon phases in November 2025 follow a standard cycle, influencing nighttime observations.
New moon on November 20th marks the end of the cycle, with zero lighting. First quarter on November 28 advances to crescent.
- Last quarter: November 12th, 50% lit.
- Full moon: November 5, supermoon beaver.
- Visible duration: moon rises at dusk and sets at dawn.
These transitions affect meteor visibility, with ideal dark nights post-November 17th.
Upcoming celestial events
The winter solstice arrives on December 21, 2025, with the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. In Brazil, this is equivalent to the summer solstice, extending days to around 13 hours in São Paulo.
December’s supermoon, cold moon, occurs on December 4, closing the 2025 triad. Geminid shower in December promises up to 150 meteors per hour.
