Tonight’s Spectacular Show: The Last Supermoon of 2024 and the Full Beaver Moon!

Tonight marks a celestial event you won’t want to miss! The final supermoon of the year, known as the Full Beaver Moon, will grace the night sky, lighting up the darkness on Friday, November 15. The climax of this lunar spectacle will occur at 4:28 p.m. EST (2128 GMT), but don't worry if you can't catch it right at that moment. The moon will appear full for a day or two surrounding this peak time.

Adding to the magic of the evening, the beautiful Pleiades star cluster—a stunning collection of stars often referred to as the "Seven Sisters"—will be visible nearby. This dense grouping can be found in the Taurus constellation, but don’t expect to see all its stars clearly, as the brightness of the Full Beaver Moon might overshadow them.

As the night unfolds, the Full Beaver Moon will hover just below the curved horns of Taurus, while the Hunter, Orion, will rise in harmony with it, making for a breathtaking sight approximately four hours after sunset.

But that's not all! The sky will host four visible planets that evening. Spot Mercury low on the southwestern horizon, although it will set shortly after the sun disappears. This makes it a bit tricky for the first-time observer, as direct observation during sunset can be risky.

Venus will be the shining jewel of the southwestern sky—brighter than anything else in that direction—and will be one of the first “stars” to appear as the evening progresses. Setting about 90 minutes post-sunset, it will be a must-see!

Saturn, with its iconic rings visible even through a small telescope, will dazzle high in the southern sky throughout the night, while Jupiter rises in the east about two hours after the moon and will be easily viewable all night until it sets well after sunrise on Saturday, November 16. Lastly, Mars will make its entrance just before midnight, joining the galactic gathering later in the evening.

For photography enthusiasts eager to capture tonight’s lunar beauty, there are myriad resources available on how to photograph the moon effectively. With the right equipment, such as high-quality cameras and lenses tailored for astrophotography, this is the perfect opportunity to hone your skills and create stunning images.

So grab your favorite stargazing companion, head outside, and prepare for an evening filled with cosmic wonders. The night sky today is not just an ordinary event; it’s a reminder of the beauty that exists beyond our world waiting to be explored!