The penultimate full moon of 2023, known as the Beaver Moon, is set to illuminate the night sky on Monday, Nov. 27, casting its celestial glow from the heart of the Taurus constellation. This monthly lunar event, often marked by cultural and historical significance, has earned its moniker from the behaviors of a rather industrious creature — the beaver.
New York City’s skyline will play host to the majestic rise of the Full Beaver Moon on Nov. 27 at 3:48 p.m. EST, shortly followed by the setting of the sun at 6:30 p.m. EST, offering skywatchers the chance to behold its fully illuminated brilliance until it sets at 8:28 a.m. EST, a mere hour and a half after the sun’s rise at 6:53 a.m. EST. As the moon takes its place 180 degrees away from the sun, it will shine brightly within the constellation of Taurus, the Bull.
The origins of the term “Beaver Moon” harken back to the customs and traditions of Indigenous Native American cultures. These ancestral roots explain the name’s association with the increased activity of beavers in November, as they diligently prepare for the impending winter. The beaver’s retreat into their lodges and storage of food marked the seasonal changes and helped christen November’s full moon with this fitting moniker. This aligns closely with historical evidence of the time for setting beaver traps before the swamps froze, ensuring a bountiful supply of warm winter furs.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac, known for its wealth of seasonal wisdom and folklore, provides an insightful explanation for the Beaver Moon’s name. They detail the beaver’s need to take refuge in their lodges as they store sufficient food supplies for the impending winter. Drawing from its rich knowledge repository, the Almanac cites the beaver trapping season during early North American fur trade as further proof of the moon’s significance, emphasizing the thick, winter-ready pelts that were sought after during this time of year.
The Beaver Moon’s cultural origins and ties to Native American traditions continue to capture the imagination of stargazers and lunar enthusiasts alike. As this celestial marvel graces the sky, it serves as a poignant reminder of the symbiotic relationship between nature’s rhythms and ancient folklore. The Beaver Moon beckons us to look skyward, bridging the gap between the mystique of the cosmos and our collective human heritage.
