Get ready for a breathtaking sight tonight—Australia’s skies will host a rare and dazzling 'beaver' moon, but here’s the part most people miss: it’s not just any full moon; it’s a supermoon, and it’s going to be one of the brightest and largest of the year. But here’s where it gets controversial: while skywatchers are thrilled, astronomers might not be as excited. Why? We’ll dive into that later. For now, let’s explore how you can catch the best view of this celestial spectacle.
This Wednesday evening, the November 'beaver' moon will grace Australian skies as the second in a trilogy of supermoons this year. But what exactly is a supermoon? Simply put, it’s a full moon that coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit. Unlike the perfect circle we often imagine, the moon’s path around Earth is oval-shaped, bringing it closer at certain points. This proximity makes the moon appear not only brighter but also about 10% larger than a typical full moon. And this week’s supermoon? It’s going to be even more impressive, with the moon at its absolute closest point to Earth, known as perigee.
Here’s the kicker: While many of us are eagerly awaiting this event, astronomers like Adam Batten from Swinburne University of Technology point out that supermoons aren’t ideal for observing other celestial objects. The moon’s brightness can overpower stars and planets, making it harder to spot them. But don’t let that dampen your enthusiasm—this supermoon is still a sight to behold. Batten explains that the moon will be about 30,000km closer than average, appearing 8% larger and a stunning 16% brighter. Talk about a showstopper!
Now, let’s talk about the 'beaver' moon itself. Why is it called that? According to NASA, the name stems from Native American and European folklore, tied to the time of year when beavers prepare for winter, and trappers historically sought their pelts. It’s a charming nod to nature’s rhythms, blending cultural heritage with astronomy. The first supermoon of the year, known as the 'harvest moon,' occurred in October, but this one has its own unique charm.
And this is the part most people miss: The best time to view the beaver moon isn’t when it’s at its closest approach to Earth (which happens after midnight for eastern Australia), but just after sunset. Why? Because of an optical illusion. When the moon is near the horizon, it appears larger due to our brain’s comparison with familiar objects like buildings or trees. So, grab a spot with a clear view of the horizon and watch as the supermoon rises in all its glory.
But let’s circle back to the controversy. While supermoons are a treat for casual observers, they’re a challenge for astronomers. Full moons, especially supermoons, drown out the stars and other faint objects in the night sky, making it harder to study them. As Batten puts it, ‘Full moons actually ruin some of our time that we get to observe, so we actually don’t like the full moon that much. But we do like people talking about the moon.’
So, what’s your take? Are supermoons a marvel worth celebrating, or do they overshadow the rest of the night sky? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts on this celestial debate!
