The Beaver Moon, the second-to-last full moon of 2023, is set to illuminate the sky on Monday, Nov. 27. In New York City, it will rise at 3:48 p.m. EST, with the sun setting around 6:30 p.m. EST. Skywatchers can enjoy the fully illuminated moon until it sets at 8:28 a.m. EST the next day.
During the full moon, it will be positioned 180 degrees away from the sun, shining brightly in the constellation of Taurus, the Bull. This positioning creates a captivating visual as the moon appears between the ‘horns’ of Taurus.
Following the Beaver Moon, the moon will enter its waning phase, gradually losing its illuminated surface until the new moon on Dec. 12. This marks the beginning of the last lunar cycle of 2023, leading up to the final full moon of the year, the Cold Moon, on Dec. 26.
The name “Beaver Moon” originates from the behavior of beavers, which gather enough food during this time and retreat to their lodges. In North America’s history, it was also associated with the trapping of beavers for their winter pelts when the fur trade was active.
Various Native American and Colonial American traditions have alternative names for the November full moon, reflecting animal activities or the onset of winter.
Examples include the Tlingit’s Digging Moon, referring to animals foraging for fallen nuts, and the Dakota and Lakota’s Deer Rutting Moon, indicating the time when deer seek mates. Terms like Frost Moon (Cree and Assiniboine) and Freezing Moon (Anishinaabe) highlight the chilly conditions of this time of year as winter approaches.
