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Beaver Moon and Leonid Meteor Shower
November's full moon, the Beaver Moon, will be the last supermoon of 2024 and will coincide with the peak of the Leonid meteor shower.
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LifestyleAstronomyMoonMeteor ShowerSupermoonCelestial Events
CnnNasaAmerican Meteor SocietyThe Old Farmer’s AlmanacInternational Meteor Organization
Noah PetroRobert Lunsford
- What are some tips for observing the Leonid meteor shower?
- To view the Leonid meteor shower, find a location with minimal light pollution and face east, keeping the moon out of your direct line of sight. Look towards the lower half of the sky, ideally closer to dawn when more meteors are visible.
- When is the Beaver Moon, and what is significant about it?
- The Beaver Moon, the last supermoon of 2024, will reach its peak on Friday, November 15th. It will appear full for about a day before and after its peak, offering excellent viewing opportunities.
- What other celestial event coincides with the Beaver Moon this weekend?
- The Leonid meteor shower will peak on Saturday night into Sunday morning, potentially offering a dazzling display alongside the Beaver Moon. However, the full moon's brightness may reduce visibility to around five meteors per hour.
- Why does a supermoon appear bigger and brighter than a regular full moon?
- A supermoon appears larger and brighter than a typical full moon because it coincides with the moon's perigee, its closest orbital point to Earth. November's supermoon will be slightly farther away than October's, which was the closest of 2024.
- How do current space missions contribute to our understanding of the moon?
- NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has been collecting data on the moon since 2009, contributing significantly to our ongoing understanding of Earth's lunar satellite. This mission, along with observations from Earth, continues to unveil the moon's secrets.