When to see the last supermoon of the year in Arizona

There may be only seven weeks left in 2024, but local skywatchers still have the chance to enjoy a variety of spectacular astronomical sights over Arizona. Case in point: the last supermoon of the year that occurs this weekend.

November’s full moon, also known as the Beaver Moon, will appear on Friday night and is also a supermoon — the phenomenon where Earth’s natural satellite is at its closest point to our planet and appears larger and more luminous than normal.

It’s the fourth supermoon of 2024 — following the Sturgeon Moon in August, the Harvest Moon in September and the Hunter's Moon in October — and will light up the evening skies dramatically.

Here are all the details about how and when to see November's supermoon over Arizona on Friday night.

What day is the supermoon?

The supermoon will occur on Friday evening, Nov. 15.

What time is the supermoon on Friday?

According to the website Time and Date, the moon will rise in Arizona at 5:15 p.m. on Friday. It will reach its highest point early on Saturday at 12:37 a.m.

Where should you look?

The moon is set to rise in the eastern/northeastern sky. It will appear near the horizon before rising higher in the sky.

Why does the moon seem larger on the horizon?

It’s thanks to a phenomenon known as the “moon illusion” that’s essentially caused by your brain’s perceiving celestial objects closer to the horizon as larger.

What is a supermoon?

A supermoon takes place when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth in its orbit. As a result, the moon looks noticeably larger and brighter in the sky.

How bright is the November supermoon?

According to the Time and Date website, the moon will be at 99.6% illumination, which is very bright and highly visible.

What will viewing conditions be like?

Clear skies are expected on Friday night in Arizona. In other words, there will be zero clouds preventing you from seeing the supermoon.

Why is November's moon also called the Beaver Moon?

November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon because it occurs during a time when the animal typically builds its den for the wintertime. The brightness of the full moon also allowed enough visibility for hunters to set traps for beavers. It's also called the Frost Moon or Snow Moon due to the fact we're on the cusp of winter.