Skywatchers in Greater Victoria should look up this week if the weather allows.
The Beaver Moon will be full on Wednesday, November 5th and will be the biggest and brightest full moon of the year.
This is the second of three supermoons to finish 2025. It’s also the closest full moon to Earth since February 2019, sitting about 356,980 kilometers away, according to AstroPixels.
Those wanting to see it won’t have to wait until Wednesday night.
The moon will look nearly full and bright from Tuesday through Thursday, giving skywatchers multiple chances to catch a glimpse, weather permitting.
So far, the forecast for the Victoria area isn’t looking great.
Environment Canada expects cloudy skies and showers in the middle of the week, especially on Wednesday. However, Tuesday evening might bring a few clear moments, and Friday should have partly sunny weather, which could allow for some late supermoon viewing.
As most islanders know, Vancouver Island weather can change quickly. The moon often shines through the clouds when you least expect it.
The name “Beaver Moon” has been around for centuries in North America. It marks the time when beavers build their dams and prepare for winter under the full moon’s light.
During this time, trappers would set their final traps before the waters froze over.
It is sometimes called the Frost Moon, Trading Moon, or Freezing Moon. The last name comes from the Anishinaabeg term Baashkaakodin Giizis, which means “Freezing Moon,” according to the Center for Native American Studies.
If the clouds clear, the moon will rise shortly after sunset in the east-southeast sky. It will glow large and bright near the horizon before climbing higher through the evening.
The term “super” in supermoon means it is slightly closer to Earth in its orbit. It appears about seven percent larger and fifteen percent brighter than a typical full moon, a subtle but beautiful difference.
Grab a warm jacket, find a dark open space away from city lights, and watch the moon rise over the horizon. Whether it’s Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, it will be a sight worth seeing if the weather cooperates.
If the clouds clear, the Beaver Supermoon will illuminate Vancouver Island’s skies this week, being the biggest and brightest full moon of 2025.
