The Beaver moon and Taurid meteor shower peak this week: When and where to view the celestial events

It’s a packed week for stargazers, as both the Beaver moon and the Taurid meteor shower are expected to peak later this week. The Beaver moon, known as November’s full moon, is also the second of three consecutive supermoons this year, which means it’s expected to be even bigger and brighter than usual. Peaking around the same time as this month’s supermoon is the Taurid meteor shower, which consists of both the Southern Taurids and the Northern Taurids. The Southern Taurids, which are active in the fall months, are known for their fireballs.

Here’s what stargazers should know ahead of the Beaver moon and the Taurid meteor shower appearances.

What is the Beaver moon?

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the beaver moon got its name from folklore associated with Native American tribes, Colonial Americans and Europeans. The beaver moon occurs during the time of year when beavers take shelter in their lodges for the long winter ahead. During the North American fur trade, per the almanac, it was also the season to trap beavers for their thick pelts.

This November's full moon will be a supermoon, per NASA. The Beaver moon is also the second of three consecutive supermoons, according to the Weather Channel.

A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon being at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. The moon, as a result, will appear slightly larger and brighter than usual. At its nearest point, November’s full moon will be 221,817 miles from Earth, making it the closest supermoon of the year.

What is the Taurid meteor shower?

The Taurid meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through the debris left behind by Comet 2P/Encke, according to Scientific American. Composed of two separate streams of debris within the same meteor shower, the North and South Taurids are particularly noticeable from late October to early November, when they overlap, per EarthSky.

When’s the best time to view the beaver moon?

The full moon is expected to reach its full peak on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 8:19 a.m. ET, per the Weather Channel. This year’s beaver moon, the forecaster added, will also be the closest full moon we’ve seen since 2019, meaning it’ll appear bigger and brighter to the naked eye than past full moons.

The moon will still appear bright on the nights of Nov. 4 and Nov. 5, according to USA Today. The supermoon will also appear full for several days after it reaches its peak.

When does the Taurid meteor shower peak, and what can I expect to see?

The South Taurids, according to EarthSky, are expected to peak in the early hours of Wednesday, Nov. 5, between midnight and 2 a.m. EarthSky also recommends that stargazers look out for slow-moving meteors, including some bright fireballs.

What’s the best way to view the Taurid meteor shower? The Beaver moon? 

Chances of catching the Taurid meteor shower are optimized by finding a spot outside, away from city lights, just after midnight. Allow your eyes at least 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. The meteor shower might not be as visible as stargazers are hoping, though: The full moon, which is also expected to occur on Nov. 5, may potentially outshine them.

The best way to view the Beaver moon, meanwhile, is by finding an unobstructed, elevated location in an open field with a clear view of the eastern horizon. Your eyes are more than enough to glimpse November’s full moon, though binoculars are recommended if you want an even closer look.