How November’s full moon became known as the Beaver Moon

By Brian Lada, AccuWeather meteorologist and staff writer

Updated Nov. 8, 2019 1:13 PM

Every month when a full moon rises, people call it one of many names that it has been given over the years, and November’s is directly related to the transition from autumn to winter.

November’s full moon is often referred to as the Beaver Moon, a nickname that can be traced back hundreds of years.

“This is the month when the beavers begin to take shelter in their lodges, having laid up sufficient stores of food for the long winter ahead,” the Old Farmer’s Almanac explained on its website.

“During the time of the fur trade, it was also the season to trap beavers for their thick, winter-ready pelts,” the Old Farmer’s Almanac reported.

In addition to being called the Beaver Moon, November’s full moon is also known as the Frost Moon, the Freezing Moon, the White Moon and the Hare Moon.

Regardless of its nickname, the full moon will appear similar to other full moons throughout the year.

Although the Beaver Moon will look like other full moons throughout the year, it may appear slightly larger when it is close to the horizon due to something known as the moon illusion.

“Sky watchers have known this for thousands of years: moons hanging low in the sky look unnaturally big,” NASA reports. “Cameras don't see it, but our eyes do. It's a real illusion.”

One reason why the moon appears larger near the horizon is because we can compare it to other objects.

“Foreground objects trick your brain into thinking the moon is bigger than it really is,” NASA reported on its website.

So be sure to head outside and look for the full Beaver Moon right as it rises to see this lunar illusion.

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