Last supermoon of 2024, the Beaver Moon, will shine on S'pore on Nov. 15 evening

We've had the Sturgeon Moon in August, the Harvest Moon in September, the Hunter's Moon in October, and now we're down to the very last supermoon of 2024: the Beaver Moon.

Set to rise on the evening of Nov. 15, this will be the very last supermoon of the four consecutive supermoons to occur in 2024, shared The Observatory at Science Centre Singapore in response to queries from Mothership.

"The next time that a supermoon will make an appearance will be in October 2025," added The Observatory. 

While there is no formal definition, a supermoon refers to a full moon at its closest point to earth during its orbit, according to the London Natural History Museum.

The Beaver Moon can be seen every year and is always a full moon, but it isn't always a supermoon.

However, 2024's Beaver Moon is especially significant because it will be "slightly closer and brighter" than the Sturgeon Moon in August, shared NASA.

The closer proximity of the moon—at an average lunar distance of 384,000 kilometres as opposed to 360,000 kilometres—will make it seem bigger and brighter than usual, reported ST. 

What's in a name?

The full moon of each month has a different name, shared The Observatory at Science Centre Singapore.

Hence, November's Beaver Moon, for instance, was named by Native American tribes and early European settlers who used the moon as a calendar to track the course of the year.

Its annual appearance in November also coincides with the time when beavers prepare for winter by building dams and stocking up food, inspiring the name, explained The Observatory.

The moon's appearance also marks the start of various festivals around the globe.

For example, the full moon in November signals the start of Loy Krathong in Thailand, a festival of floating decorated baskets which takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai Lunar calendar.

Similarly, the full moon also marks the beginning of the Cambodia Water Festival, or Bon Om Touk, which celebrates the end of the monsoon season with symbolic dragon boat races.

Where and when can I catch it in Singapore?

Here in Singapore, the Beaver Moon will be visible from 6:45pm on Friday (Nov. 15), and should reach an ideal viewing height shortly after 7pm.

According to The Observatory, the moon  "should be easily visible anywhere in Singapore as long as the skies are clear once the sun sets."

"For an unobstructed and potentially elevated view of the Beaver Moon with panoramic views of the city skyline, visit open public areas like the Marina Barrage, East Coast Park, and the Southern Ridges," recommended The Observatory. 

While the supermoon is visible with the naked eye, cloud cover may reduce its visibility. 

More on celestial bodies in Singapore's skies

Top image from Rubina Gan/CloudSpotting & SkySpotting Singapore, Facebook