A Full Beaver Moon Is Coming in November

The title given to the full moon of any given month can tell you a lot about the priorities of early Americans. In August, the full sturgeon moon once meant it was time to harvest the fish from the Great Lakes, while the worm moon of March referenced the earthworms that signaled the approach of spring. The beaver moon, which is set to appear on November 12 in 2019, is no different.

What is a beaver moon?

Beaver moon is the name of the first (and typically the only) full moon of the November lunar cycle. It's meaning is said to have originated with the Algonquin people, and was eventually adapted by European colonists in North America. November used to be the time for putting down beaver traps in anticipation of the cold winter months. It's usually the last month before swamps and lakes freeze over up north, and therefore it was the last month to stock up on warm beaver furs.

Another folk name for November's full moon is the full frost moon, but according to The Old Farmer's Almanac, beaver moon is the name that stuck.

When to See the Beaver Moon

Following September's Friday the 13th harvest moon and October's hunter's moon, the beaver moon in November is the next full moon to catch. It will reach its fullest state at 8:34 a.m. ET, but it will still appear full the previous night and the following evening. For the best viewing conditions, go out when the sky is darkest—usually around midnight—on November 12, and make sure you're in a spot with minimal light pollution. Here are some more tips for sky gazing.