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The 2024 Beaver Moon Supermoon is a rare celestial event that offers a unique opportunity to witness the moon at its closest point to Earth this year. This moon is called the "Beaver" moon due to its timing, traditionally marking the start of preparations for winter. Discover the science behind this event and why it’s a must-see before it passes.
Don’t miss the final Supermoon of 2024 on November 15, when the Beaver Moon will shine brighter and larger than usual.
The term "Beaver Moon" refers to the time of year when beavers prepare for winter, echoing NASA's studies on the ecological benefits of beaver dams, which help sustain healthier ecosystems.
The Spectacular Beaver Moon and Supermoon Phenomenon Skywatchers, get ready for the Beaver Moon on November 15, starting at 4:29 p.m. EST. This event is special as it marks the final Supermoon of 2024, meaning the Moon will appear both brighter and larger than usual.
The term “supermoon” was coined in 1979 to describe a full Moon that occurs when the Moon is closest to Earth. The Moon’s orbit is elliptical, not circular, which causes its distance from Earth to change over time. At its farthest point, called apogee, the Moon is about 253,000 miles away from Earth, while at its closest, or perigee, it averages about 226,000 miles. When a full Moon occurs near the perigee, it appears slightly larger and brighter, which is why it’s called a supermoon.
Supermoons are a natural part of the Moon's orbit and aren’t rare; they happen three or four times a year due to the movements of Earth, Moon, and Sun. NASA scientist Dennis Gallagher explains, “The Moon’s orbit takes about 27 and one-third days to circle Earth. Its closest approach, or perigee, happens three or four times a year because of the combined movements of Earth and the Moon around the Sun.”
Why Is It Called the Beaver Moon? The Beaver Moon is the name given to the November full Moon, with roots in Native American and European folklore. November is when beavers prepare for winter by strengthening their dams and storing food. Historically, it was also the time to trap beavers for their pelts to make warm clothing.
Unveiling Beaver’s Unique Connection to Space Beavers have another connection to space! In addition to the full Moon’s name, NASA is also involved in studying the ecological impact of beaver rewilding.
The NASA Applied Sciences’ Ecological Conservation Program supports the Beaver Rewilding Project in Idaho, using Earth-observing satellites like Landsat and Sentinel to monitor large areas over time. This helps scientists track the environmental changes caused by beavers.
The data shows that when beavers build dams, they retain water longer, supporting plant growth and creating new habitats like ponds. These dams also improve drinking water and grazing land for cattle, making the landscape more resilient to fires and droughts.
For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com
Source: Scitechdaily
