What does the November Full Moon have to do with beavers, and why is the Beaver Moon 2022 going to be special? Let’s figure it out.
When is the Full Moon in November 2022?
This month, the Full Moon will occur on November 8 at 11:02 GMT. At this time, our natural satellite will lie in the constellation Aries. Technically, the Full Moon only lasts for a moment when the Moon is exactly on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, but the lunar disk appears round and bright one day before and after that.
What is the Beaver Moon?
Beaver Moon is one of the traditional names for the November Full Moon. It came from Native American tribes, who used to give names to the Full Moons based on peculiar features of every particular month.
Why is it called the Beaver Moon?
November is when beavers prepare for the cold: they build dams and stock up on food in their lodges. Maybe that’s why the Native Americans named the Full Moon in their honor, observing the activity of these industrious animals. The other possible reason is that during this month, the hunters traditionally set beaver traps to get the fur.
When is the Beaver Moon 2023?
The next Beaver Moon will occur on November 27, 2023, at 09:16 GMT. It won’t happen anytime soon, but you won’t forget about it if you follow us on social media and check our astronomical calendar in Star Walk 2 and Sky Tonight: we’ll keep you reminded of this and many other celestial events.
Alternative November Full Moon names
The other November Full Moon names that came from Native American culture include Frost Moon and Freezing Moon — obviously, because the weather is getting cold at this time of the year. Being the last Full Moon before the winter solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere), the Full Moon in November 2022 can be referred to as Mourning Moon. In different parts of the world, you can find such names as:
- Chinese: White Moon
- Celtic: Dark Moon
- Wiccan: Snow Moon
- Cherokee: Trading Moon
- Southern Hemisphere: Corn Moon, Milk Moon, Flower Moon, Hare Moon
Red Moon tonight: Blood Beaver Moon and total lunar eclipse
The upcoming Full Moon can also be called Blood Moon as it coincides with a total lunar eclipse, during which the lunar disk acquires a reddish-orange hue. The eclipse will reach its peak on November 8 at 10:59 GMT. Stargazers will have a chance to see the red Moon wherever it is above the horizon at the moment. We’ve made a lunar eclipse guide for you — find the entire eclipse timeline and best observing locations in one article. Also, check our infographic to learn about the most spectacular solar and lunar eclipses to occur in the future!
Sky objects near the Full Moon in November 2022
- On November 8, the Blood Beaver Moon will pass near Uranus, and observers from certain locations might even see the lunar occultation of the planet;
- On November 9, we’ll see the Pleiades star cluster flickering near the Moon.
Follow the links for the exact timings and observing tips.
Next Full Moon 2022: the Cold Moon
The December Full Moon, or the Cold Moon, will occur on December 8. This is going to be the last Full Moon of 2022 — сheck our Full Moon calendar, so you don’t miss out!
