2024 has been a stunning year for cosmic spectacles. Here in the UK, we’ve been treated to multiple appearances of the northern lights and the so-called ‘comet of the century’. That’s not to mention a rare blue supermoon, a once-in-a-lifetime star explosion and a partial solar eclipse.
This weekend, we will see the fourth and final supermoon of 2024. It’ll be big, it’ll be bright and it’ll coincide with one of the last meteor showers of the year. What a feast for the eyes!
Here’s everything you need to know about catching these two stunning celestial displays this weekend.
When will the super Beaver Moon be visible in the UK?
The full Beaver moon will rise at around 3.30pm today (Friday, November 15). You’ll be able to enjoy it in its full glory after the sun has fully set and the moon is at its brightest at around 9.28pm. As long as the sky isn’t too cloudy, it’ll be hard to miss!
Why is it called the Beaver Moon?
Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) says that there’s some disagreement over the origins of November’s moon name. One theory is that it comes from Native Americans setting beaver traps during this month but another argues that it is named after heavy activity of beavers building their winter dams at this time of year.
What makes a supermoon super?
The moon doesn’t orbit the Earth in a perfect circle, so its distance from us varies throughout the year. Supermoons are when the full moon coincides with the orb’s closest approach to Earth, making it appear larger and more luminous than normal. There are normally three to four each year.
The Beaver moon won’t be quite as bright as other supermoons we’ve seen in 2024, but it still qualifies. Astronomers say it’ll be roughly 23,000km closer to the Earth than normal and appear around 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter.
What is the Leonid meteor shower?
RMG describes the Leonid meteor shower as ‘one of the more prolific annual meteor showers, with fast, bright meteors’. It’s made up of debris from a comet called Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, which burns up as it zooms through Earth’s atmosphere and creates the bright streaks of lights that we know as meteors.
It’s named after Leo the Lion, the constellation that the meteors appear to stream from.
When will the Leonid meteor shower be visible in the UK?
The Leonids have been active since November 6, so there’s a chance that you can catch a meteor or two from now until November 30. However, you’re best chance will be to look up on the night of Monday, November 18 when the shower reaches its maximum.
Where’s best to watch the Beaver Moon and Leonid meteor showers?
The super Beaver Moon will be visible from pretty much anywhere you are in the UK, so long as conditions are clear.
For the meteor shower, find a safe location away from light pollution, ideally with clear skies and an unobstructed view of the horizon. You don’t need to bother with binoculars or a telescope, just let your eyes adjust to the darkness and wait.
The best places will be outside of busy towns and cities – find the best spot for stargazing near you here.
What is the weather forecast?
The Met Office predicts clouds and patchy rain for much of the UK over the weekend and at the start of next. Not ideal conditions for night-sky watching, but it’ll vary across the country so check your local forecast.
It also forecasts overnight frost, so if you’re heading out to watch the meteor shower make sure to wrap up warm and bring along a flask of your favourite hot beverage.
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