Best time to see full Beaver Moon lighting up UK sky tonight

The sky will be shining bright this evening despite the dark winter nights rolling in.

The UK will be illuminated by the Full Beaver Moon tonight (27 November), but you will get a glimpse of it as early as this afternoon.

It is the last full Moon before Christmas too, so make the most of the extra light it gives off while you still can.

This is how it gets its bizarre name - as it arrives just before the winter solstice, when beavers retire to their dens with their stockpile of food in anticipation of the colder months.

Others believe it originates from Native American traditions, when people would set beaver traps to acquire fur to combat the freezing conditions.

It is also sometimes referred to as the 'mourning Moon', as it is considered the perfect time to let go of the past and look forward to a new season - and an impending New Year.

Dr Darren Baskill of the University of Sussex told BBC Science Focus: "While the origins of such names have often been lost over the years, beavers are most active at dawn and dusk.

Lorenzo Di Cola/NurPhoto via Getty Images

"They can be seen beavering away overnight by the light of this aptly named full Moon.

"Beavers are especially visible at this time of the year as the absence of leaves on trees and shrubs makes them easier to spot."

You will have to wait another year to witness the magic of the Beaver Moon if you miss it, so make sure you've got your eyes peeled.

Luckily, Dr Baskill had some tips to share regarding how to get the best view of the incredible show in the skies and at what time.

The astronomer and lecturer explained that the Beaver Moon will be visible from after sunset at 4pm today, but the peak of it was actually this morning.

But don't worry if you had a lie in and couldn't peel back the covers on this chilly day - as there is still an opportunity to see it.

Getty stock image

Dr Baskill said the best time to see the Beaver Moon will be just after it rises, while it is still close to the horizon and appears much bigger than usual.

He explained: "You have a second opportunity to admire the full Moon hugging the horizon when it rises in the north-east as the Sun sets later that same day.

"Full Moons always occur when the Moon is on the opposite side of the sky to the Sun, and it is fully illuminated by sunshine - which is where the name ‘full Moon’ originates."

Dr Baskill promised it would be an 'impressive sight when it's low on the horizon'.

It's pretty cloudy across most of the South and East of the country, but you may still be able to get a good view of the Beaver Moon.

Stargazers in Manchester, parts of Wales and the South West will have a better chance, as the skies will be a bit clearer.

Make sure you wrap up if your off Moon hunting too, as the temperature is expected to drop to 5C tonight.

The next Beaver Moon is forecast for 15 November 2024.

Topics: Science, Space, Weather, UK News

Olivia Burke

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

@livburke_