The 12th full Moon of 2023—the “Beaver Moon”—will grace the early evening skies as it rises in the east just as the sun sets in the west.
Named the “Beaver Moon”—but also the “Frosty Moon” and the “Long Nights Moon”—here’s everything you need to know about it including exactly when, where and how to see it at its biggest, brightest and most colorful from where you are:
When is the ‘Beaver Moon?’
The “Beaver Moon” will turn full at 4:14 a.m. EST on Monday, November 27, 2023, with the best time to watch it rise being dusk later that day.
Why the ‘Beaver Moon’ will look orange
Ever heard of “Raleigh scattering?”
The “Beaver Moon” will look its biggest and best as it appears on the eastern horizon during dusk. For about 15-20 minutes it will appear orange. That’s because you’re looking at it through the densest part of Earth’s atmosphere. Long-wavelength red and orange light travels more easily through the atmosphere than short-wavelength blue light, which strikes more particles and gets scattered. The same physics explains why a sunset looks orange.
Best Time to See the Full ‘Beaver Moon’
A full moon looks best when it’s viewed appearing on the eastern horizon just after the sun has set in the west. The Earth-facing side of the Beaver Moon will officially be 100% illuminated at 4:14 a.m. EST on Monday, November 27. The best time to view it will be moonrise where you are later that day (North America or the following evening (Europe):
Monday, November 27
- In New York sunset is at 4:31 p.m. EST and moonrise is at 4:30 p.m. EST.
- In Los Angeles sunset is at 4:45 p.m. PST and moonrise is at 4:56 p.m. PST (the moment of full Moon is at 1:17 a.m. PST).
Tuesday, November 28
- In London sunset is at 3:58 p.m. GMT and moonrise is at 4:13 p.m. GMT (full Moon is at 9:17 a.m. GMT).
How to See the ‘Beaver Moon’
Get somewhere high up that faces east, or visit an east-facing coast, both of which will give you a clear view of the horizon—and the best views of the “Beaver Moon,” clear skies allowing. Unaided eyes are perfect, though a pair of binoculars will give you a stunning close-up.
When is the next full Moon?
The next full moon after the “Beaver Moon” is the full “Cold Moon” at 7:34 p.m. EST on Tuesday, December 26, 2023—the first full Moon of winter and final of 13 full moons in 2023.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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