Beaver Moon supermoon visible tonight in London and UK skies

The skies tonight (Friday, November 15) feature a supermoon – the last one we'll see until November next year. It's been rising since just after 3.30 pm. This Beaver Moon represents the fourth supermoon of the year.

But don't get too excited; this full moon is a bit further from Earth than the Harvest Moon in September and the Hunter’s Moon in October, leading some astronomers to debate whether it truly qualifies as a supermoon.

Dr Edward Bloomer from the Royal Observatory Greenwich puts it simply: "The supermoon definition is not particularly strict."

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He goes on to explain that "The general rule that most people adhere to, although astronomers like to argue about this, is that it is within 10% of its closest approach to Earth."

Some even say a supermoon must be within 360,000 kilometres of Earth.

As for this Beaver Moon, Dr Bloomer assures us it will be "nice and bright" and "pretty easy" to spot, weather permitting.

He suggests you give your eyes time to adjust to the dark by ditching phones and steering clear of street lights for the best possible view.

Meanwhile, University of Sussex astronomy lecturer Dr Darren Baskill points out that while tonight's moon may seem like "any other full moon," the coming winter months mean it will appear higher in the sky, hence more striking.

And if you're wondering why it's called the Beaver Moon, it's simply a nod to the natural world in this month.

Dr Baskill explained: "Beavers are most active at dawn and dusk and they can be seen beavering away overnight by the light of this aptly named full moon."

The next supermoon won't grace our skies until November 5, 2025, so this one's not to be missed.

Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge said: “The best chances for seeing tonight’s supermoon are really in parts of southern England and as early after sunset as possible.

“There will be more cloud from the Midlands and further north, but clearer skies further south.

“Fog is likely to develop across the south of England later in the evening. Viewers in other areas may have opportunities as clouds break.

“Viewers in the Northern Isles may also have a good chance as clearer skies associated with the drop in temperature will aid viewing.”

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