Supermoon 2024: When and where to see the last supermoon of 2024 |

The last supermoon of 2024 will soon be visible in the night sky. This event is known as “Beaver Moon“ and is a must for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts. Supermoons are a special event when the full moon coincides with perigee, the point in the moon’s elliptical orbit where it is closest to Earth. This proximity makes the moon appear larger and brighter than usual, creating a breathtaking view.
The Beaver Moon has its origins in North American traditions. The name comes from Native American tribes who associated it with the time of year when beavers begin to prepare for winter while building their lodges and gathering food. November’s full moon is also known as the Frost Moon or Snow Moon and marks the start of colder weather.

Beaver Moon (representative image: Canva)

This supermoon is particularly significant as it marks the fourth and final of the year. The year 2024 was a treat for moon and night sky watchers as several supermoons lit up the sky, including the Sturgeon Moon in August, the Harvest Moon in September and the Hunter’s Moon in October.

When can you see the “beaver moon”?

Stargazers in India are in for a treat as the event offers a spectacular view of the moon in all its glory. The last supermoon of 2024 will reach full brightness on November 16 at 2:58 a.m. IST. The best opportunity for Indian observers to catch a glimpse of it is on the evening of November 16, just after sunset, when the moon rises and appears on the horizon. This is when the moon appears largest due to the “lunar illusion,” a phenomenon in which the moon appears larger near the horizon than when it is higher in the sky.

There will be icing on the cake during this supermoon event as observers will have the opportunity to see it Pleiades star clusteralso known as the “Seven Sisters”. On November 15th, the Pleiades will be positioned at the lower left of the Moon and will shift to the upper right corner of the Moon by moonrise on November 16th.
For those who want to observe the supermoon, it is advisable to find a place with a clear view of the eastern horizon, away from the bright city lights. This will enhance the viewing experience and allow observers to fully enjoy the Moon’s luminosity. Bringing binoculars or a telescope will allow you to take a closer look at the lunar surface and see its craters and texture in stunning detail.