How and when to spot the November 2025 Supermoon
(November 4, 2025) Last night after the sun went down, I strolled outside to retrieve the daily mail when I was taken back by the brilliance of the evening’s moon. It seemed bigger and brighter than usual – and looked like it was close enough to reach out and touch. After getting back in the house, I even remarked to wifey how visually striking the moon appeared overhead (I think my actual words were, “you should check out that big-assed moon.)
It wasn’t until this morning that I learned we are now in the throes of the November “Supermoon.” And the good news is that it reaches its climax tonight and tomorrow night, November 4 and 5!
Research revealed that this spectacular lunar event offers skywatchers a fantastic treat; and it’s this year’s closest and brightest full moon, aka the “supermoon,” rising on Tuesday November 4 and Wednesday, November 5. And below, is everything you need to know to catch and appreciate it, from timing, to what makes it special, and how to get the best view.
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Background: A “supermoon” occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth (its perigee). The result: the moon appears slightly larger and considerably brighter than an average full moon.
This particular supermoon — sometimes called the “Beaver Moon” in North America — will be the closest full moon of 2025, reaching a distance of about 221,800 miles from Earth. According to multiple sources, the moon may appear up to 14 % larger and 30 % brighter than a full moon at its farthest.
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When and where to look:
- Peak moment: The official full moon & perigee moment falls at 8:19 a.m. Eastern Time, on Wednesday November 5
- Best viewing time: Because the moon will be below the horizon at its exact peak for much of the U.S., the optimal viewing time is just after sunset on November 4 or 5 when the moon rises in the east.
- Where to watch: Any location with a clear eastern horizon works well. Being away from tall buildings or heavy light pollution improves the experience.
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What to look for, and why it seems special:
- When the moon is low on the horizon, you’ll often see it appear bigger than when it’s high in the sky. This is the well-known “moon illusion” (it’s a trick of perception, not actual size change).
- Near moonrise you may also notice the moon taking on a warm orange or reddish hue, due to the light passing through more atmosphere.
- Although the increase in size is subtle, the brightness difference can be noticeable — the moon will cast faint shadows and dominate the night sky.
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Viewing tips & photography advice
- Pick a spot with a clear eastern horizon, ideally before sunset.
- Arrive early to watch moonrise, when the drama is strongest.
- If you want to photograph it: a tripod helps, and including foreground objects (trees, buildings) gives scale. Even a smartphone will capture it well in good light.
- Avoid nights when heavy clouds or storm systems are expected — check weather forecasts.
- Find a location with less light pollution if possible — although the moon is bright, darker surroundings enhance the effect.
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Are there any other effects? Yes — slightly higher “king tides” (especially near coastlines) may occur because of the moon’s closer proximity influencing Earth’s tides. However, the effect for most observers is modest.
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Why this one is special:
- It’s the closest full moon of 2025 and the brightest supermoon of the year.
- It’s part of a short series of supermoons ending the year — October’s and December’s will flank this event.
- It carries traditional names like “Beaver Moon” (in North America) which link it to seasonal rhythms: beavers building winter dams, early frosts, and so on.
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And don’t take my word for just how breathtaking this year’s supermoon appears. Last night as I was getting ready to go to bed, wifey made me walk outside with her to bask in the glow and hue of the evening’s lunar light – and that’s before we realized it was the November Supermoon – and that it would be even more spectacular tonight.
So if you’re looking for a memorable night-sky event this autumn, this supermoon is an excellent candidate. No telescope needed — just a clear view of the eastern horizon around moonrise. The moon will look extra-large and bright — and given its orbital closeness, it ranks among the best full-moon views of the year.
** Happy Skywatching from Ace News Today! **
And for a look at the November 2025 Supermoon from an entirely different angle, check out the video accompanying this article.
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(Sources: Associated Press, Washington Post, National Geographic, The Guardian, Live Mint, Jacksonville Journal-Courier)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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