Get ready for the Year’s Final Supermoon — The Last One Until 2024
# The Final Supermoon of the Year: A Treat for Stargazers
**This year has truly been a wonderful gift for those who gaze at the stars, and it’s concluding spectacularly.** This weekend, the fourth and last supermoon of the year will illuminate the night sky. If you’re passionate about **astrophotography** or simply love admiring Earth’s solitary natural satellite, ensure you don’t overlook this celestial event. Not only will it be the *final supermoon of the year*, but it will also be the last supermoon we’ll witness for quite a while, adding to the significance of this occasion.
## What is a Supermoon, Exactly?
The phrase “supermoon” was introduced by astrologer **Richard Nolle** in 1979. He described it as either a new or full moon that takes place when the Moon is within *90%* of its nearest approach to Earth. The Moon follows an elliptical (oval-shaped) orbit around Earth, with one side being closer, called perigee, and the other being farther, known as apogee. When a full moon coincides with perigee, it appears larger and brighter in the night sky—this is what qualifies it as a “supermoon.”
As per **NASA research scientist Dennis Gallagher**, “The Moon’s orbit brings it around the Earth approximately once every 27 and one-third days.” Nonetheless, due to the interactions among the Sun, Earth, and Moon, perigee—the point when the Moon is closest to Earth—occurs just three or four times a year. This means that we have only a handful of chances each year to witness such remarkable lunar events.
## November’s ‘Beaver Moon’—The Last Supermoon of 2024
This approaching supermoon may not be as near as the one in October 2024, which was closer by about 2,800 miles, yet it will be equally awe-inducing. Dubbed the “**Beaver Moon**,” it gets its name from the period when North American beavers prepare for winter by gathering supplies and reinforcing their homes.
The **Beaver Moon** will be about *225,000 miles* from Earth on Thursday, November 14, and will achieve its full lunar phase at *4:28 p.m. EST* the following day. At this point, the Moon will be at its closest distance from Earth this month, making it appear around *30% brighter* than usual.
For those in **North America**, the prime time to view this supermoon will be during moonrise on **Saturday, November 16**, roughly 20 to 30 minutes post-sunset. This moment is particularly poetic as moonrise often offers the most dramatic visuals, as the Moon rises over the horizon at twilight, enhancing its size through an optical illusion.
## What If You Miss This Supermoon?
Given how breathtaking this event is anticipated to be, you certainly should mark your calendar. If you miss it, you won’t have another opportunity to experience a supermoon until **October 2025**. While there’s always something mesmerizing happening in the night sky, supermoons are comparatively rare, making this last event of 2024 definitely a moment to prioritize.
However, if you still seek celestial marvels, **December’s full moon**, known as the **Cold Moon**, will be visible on December 15. While it won’t be a supermoon, the December full moon is another extraordinary moment worth witnessing.
## Supermoon Photography and the Astrophotography Trend
For both novice and seasoned astrophotographers, the Beaver Moon offers a special chance. Supermoons are typically more conducive to photography due to their heightened brightness and size. Recent years have seen a rise in astrophotography, fueled by improved cameras and more accessible gear. Photographers like **Soumyadeep Mukherjee** have even initiated creative photography trends, merging images of all four supermoons from the year into a single stunning photograph, highlighting subtle variations in each lunar event.
Another remarkable astrophotography moment from recent supermoon events was captured by photographer **Andrew McCarthy**, who took an incredible shot of a *JetBlue* flight journeying over the Blue Supermoon. With images like these, both stargazers and photographers are discovering inventive ways to document these exceptional celestial occurrences.
### Tips for Capturing the Beaver Supermoon:
– **Timing is Key:** Attempt to take your photo as the Moon rises near the horizon, as it will appear larger, creating a striking composition.
– **Opt for a Telephoto Lens:** This will enable you to zoom in and reveal the intricacies of the lunar surface.
– **Maintain a Stable Setup:** Utilize a tripod to prevent camera shake and achieve sharp images.
– **Experiment with Exposure Settings:** Since supermoons are considerably brighter than typical full moons, you might want to lessen your camera exposure to prevent overexposure.
## Conclusion