The November full moon is called the Beaver Moon. This was the time of year when North American tribes noticed beavers retreating to their lodges for the winter (and when they hunted these beavers for their thick winter-ready fur.)
Alternative names for the November full moon reflect the actions of animals preparing for the onset of winter; Digging (or Scratching) Moon, a Tlingit name, evokes the image of animals foraging for fallen nuts and bears digging their winter dens whilst the Dakota and Lakota term Deer Rutting Moon refers to the time when deer seek mates.
This Moon has also been called the Frost Moon and the Freezing Moon, as the cold winter weather is just around the corner!
The Beaver Moon is the fourth and final supermoon of the year. This occurs when the full moon coincides with perigee—the closest the moon comes to the Earth in its elliptic orbit. A supermoon exceeds the disk size of an average-sized moon by up to 8% and the brightness of an average-sized full moon by some 15%. It might not look bigger to the naked eye, but will look brighter.
A short after-work full moon celebration this month, near the Paddington Bear sculpture in Leicester Square. I couldn't find a beaver in London, but I figured a bear was just two letters out!
I look forward to greeting Geocachers from near and far. For those new to the area, there is a fun virtual cache here in Leicester Square. I expect there will be lots of opportunities for festive shopping too!
This is the eleventh of 12 planned events, to mark every full moon of 2024.