In 2021, November’s full Beaver Moon reaches peak illumination in the wee hours of Friday, November 19—so look up on Thursday night! In addition, the Beaver Moon will also be plunged into an eclipse Friday morning! Get more information including Full Moon rise times, why we call it a “Beaver” Moon, and best days by the Moon.
Some information is from The Old Farmer’s Almanac
The Beaver Moon reaches peak illumination in the early morning hours of Friday, November 19, at 3:59 A.M. EST. Of course, it will be very close to full the night before, so plan to look for it starting on Thursday, November 18, just after sunset!
Find out exactly what time the full Moon will appear above the horizon in your area with our Moonrise and Moonset Calculator.
See a Near-Total Lunar Eclipse
“This year, November’s Beaver Moon is accompanied by a partial lunar eclipse that will be just shy of total—98% of the Moon will be covered by Earth’s shadow at the height of the eclipse! During a lunar eclipse, the Moon, Sun, and Earth stand in a line with the Earth in the middle, causing the planet’s shadow to be cast onto the Moon. This gives the full Moon a reddish, coppery hue, as well as the nickname “Blood Moon.” But is this Moon truly a Blood Moon? Read more about what a Blood Moon is—and isn’t.”
“This near-total lunar eclipse will be visible from most of North America, reaching its maximum at approximately 4:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Friday, November 19. Be sure to convert to your local time zone to find out when to look for the eclipse!”
Why Is It Called the Beaver Moon?
For decades, the Almanac has referenced the monthly full Moons with names tied to early Native American, Colonial American, and European folklore. Traditionally, each full Moon name was applied to the entire lunar month in which it occurred and through all of the Moon’s phases—not only the full Moon.
Why the “Beaver” Moon? This is the time of year when beavers begin to take shelter in their lodges, having laid up sufficient stores of food for the long winter ahead. During the time of the fur trade in North America, it was also the season to trap beavers for their thick, winter-ready pelts.
Watch a video on November’s Beaver Moon
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