Watch the November Beaver Moon & Taurid Meteor Peak: Key Dates

This week offers an exciting chance to witness two celestial spectacles: November’s Beaver Supermoon and the Southern Taurid meteor shower. Both events will occur on Wednesday, with the full moon reaching its zenith at 8:19 a.m. ET. However, the moon will not be visible at this time, so viewers should look for it during the evening hours for optimal viewing.

Beaver Supermoon Details

The full moon this month is commonly known as the Beaver Moon. This name reflects the time when beavers start preparing for winter. They fortify their dams and stock up on food during this period.

The Beaver Moon is also referred to as the Digging Moon by the Tlingit people, the Deer Rutting Moon by the Dakota, and the Frost Moon by the Cree. It is the second of three consecutive supermoons taking place in 2023.

What is a Supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when the moon reaches perigee, its closest point to Earth, causing it to appear larger and brighter. However, the difference in size is subtle and may not be easily noticeable to the naked eye. Dr. Alissa Bans from Emory University describes it as “not that much bigger on average than it usually is.”

• Peak Time: 8:19 a.m. ET on Wednesday
• Suggested Viewing: Evening hours for better visibility

Southern Taurid Meteor Shower

In addition to the Beaver Moon, the Southern Taurid meteor shower will peak at 8 a.m. ET on the same day. This meteor shower tends to have a modest rate of visibility, with an average of five meteors per hour.

According to Robert Lunsford, fireball report coordinator for the American Meteorological Society, spectators can look out for slow-moving meteors originating from the constellation Aries in October and transitioning to Taurus in November. The Taurids are a result of Earth’s passage through debris from the comet 2P/Encke, which has the shortest orbit of any known comet, lasting only 3.3 years.

Viewing Tips for Taurid Meteor Shower

• Best viewing times: After sunset and before the full moon rises.
• Find dark areas away from city lights for better visibility.

While the full moon’s brightness may obscure many meteors, there is still a chance of witnessing fireballs during this meteor shower. The encounter this year is particularly intriguing, as predictions suggest a passage through fresh material, potentially larger than average Taurid meteors.

Upcoming Meteor Showers

For those excited about meteor viewing, the following meteor showers are scheduled for the upcoming weeks:

Lastly, be sure to look out for the last full supermoon of the year, adding yet another opportunity for skywatchers to enjoy these remarkable celestial experiences.