November Night Sky: Supermoon, Leonids, and Uranus opposition ahead

Photo: Photo by Gerald Escamos

PARK CITY, Utah — The second of three consecutive supermoons this fall will illuminate local skies next week, providing a spectacular lunar display for the Wasatch Back. The full Beaver Moon will reach its peak illumination on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 6:19 a.m. MST (8:19 a.m. EST), according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

The name “Beaver Moon” is associated with the season when beavers prepare their lodges for winter and historically when their pelts are thickest. This full moon is also the closest one of the year and is part of a series of three supermoons occurring in October, November, and December 2025.

For the best viewing experience, plan to observe around the times of moonrise or moonset on the evenings before and after the peak. A low-hanging moon often appears larger and more dramatic to the eye. You can expect a slightly bigger and brighter appearance than a typical full moon due to its proximity to Earth during a supermoon, as noted by the Almanac.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac also notes additional celestial highlights in November: the slow and fireball-prone Taurid meteor shower will peak in the late evenings of November 8–9, followed by the faster Leonid meteor shower, which is best viewed before dawn on November 18.

For a deep-sky bonus, Uranus reaches opposition on Friday, November 21, making it as bright and well-positioned as it will be this year. Viewing from a dark location with binoculars or a small telescope will enhance your experience.

Seasonally, November evenings feature a range of “water” constellations, including Pisces and Aquarius, which are highlighted in the Almanac’s monthly star map.

To watch these events in Summit County, choose dark locations away from city lights. For the meteor showers, aim for after moonset and before dawn. For observing Uranus, bring steady optics and a star chart.