Final supermoon of 2024 will be visible in Ontario skies this week

As the sun sets, look up this Friday, November 15, when the Beaver Moon will illuminate Canada’s skies.

We were set to see four supermoons this year, and we’ve already witnessed three. It started with the Blue Moon (also known as a “Sturgeon Moon” or “Dog Moon”) on August 31, the Harvest Moon on September 17, and the most recent Hunter’s Moon on October 17.

According to Space.com, a supermoon occurs when a full moon “coincides with the moon being at the point in its orbit within 90 per cent of its closest approach to Earth, called Perigee.” As a result, the moon appears brighter and closer than usual.

The fourth supermoon, the Beaver Moon, is set to close out this series of lunar spectacles.

What is a Beaver Moon?

Like every supermoon, there’s a story behind the Beaver Moon’s name.

According to The Old Farmers’ Almanac, the name is tied to Native American, Colonial American, and European folklore. The site states that it’s also when beavers take shelter, having collected enough food for the upcoming winter. Also, during the fur trade, it was the season when beavers were tapped “for their thick, winter-ready pelts.”

When is the best time to catch the Beaver Moon?

As the year’s final supermoon, you won’t want to miss out.

Space.com says the Beaver Moon will occur on November 15 at 4:28 p.m. ET.

So, how likely are you to witness Friday’s supermoon, given weather conditions?

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto and Montreal are in for a clear evening, while it will be rather cloudy in Vancouver. As for Edmonton and Calgary, some cloudy periods might occur.

So make sure to look skyward and have your camera ready this Friday.