Tonight, stargazers across Greece will be treated to a breathtaking celestial display as the November full moon, also known as the “Beaver Moon,” coincides with a supermoon, the largest of the year. The moon will appear about 8% larger and 16% brighter than usual, offering a vivid and luminous spectacle in the night sky.
For a brief window of around 15 to 20 minutes, the moon will take on a deep orange hue, as its light passes through the denser layers of the Earth’s atmosphere. This natural filtering effect allows red and orange wavelengths to dominate, giving the moon its signature warm glow.
What Makes It a Supermoon
A supermoon occurs when the moon’s orbit brings it to perigee, its closest point to Earth—about 356,500 kilometers away. Because the moon’s orbit is slightly elliptical, its distance from Earth varies, and when a full moon coincides with this closer position, it appears larger and brighter in the sky.
The term “supermoon” was first coined in 1979 by astrologer Richard Nolle, describing these particularly striking full moons that can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than typical ones. This November’s event is the second supermoon of 2025, with one more expected in December.
Why It’s Called the “Beaver Moon”
The name “Beaver Moon” originates from Native American traditions, which associated each full moon with seasonal changes in nature. November marked the time when beavers built and sealed their lodges for the winter, preparing food stores for the cold months ahead. The name thus symbolizes diligence, preparation, and foresight.
In Greek tradition, where beavers are not native, this moon could just as well be called the “Bear Moon,” as bears retreat into their dens during the same period. Historically, the November full moon also marked the transition into winter and was considered a favorable time for harvesting olives and sowing winter crops.
A Night of Celestial Beauty
Tonight’s supermoon completes a lunar cycle that began with the new moon on October 21, and it promises to be a visual highlight for skygazers and photographers alike. As it rises over the horizon, the “Beaver Moon” will not only illuminate the landscape but also mark a moment of reflection and renewal—an ancient symbol of endings and new beginnings under the glow of Earth’s nearest neighbor.
