Tonight’s full moon will shine bigger and brighter than a usual full moon, providing a special treat for stargazers in our area. In fact, it misses being a supermoon by just one day and will be the second largest full moon in 2017. To be considered a supermoon, the moon must be full on the day it is at its perigee, or closest distance to the Earth, according to Space.com. This month, the moon reached its perigee on Friday, missing the supermoon designation by just a day.
The Old Farmer's Almanac states," November's full Moon was called the Beaver Moon by both colonists and the Algonquin tribes because this was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs." Another name used by Native American tribes was the "Frost Moon."
Although the Beaver Moon was at its brightest at 1:23 a.m. ET on Nov. 4, according to NASA this moon will appear full for about three days. So, there is still plenty of time to make plans to see this celestial event.
Area favorites for enjoying and or photographing the full moon can include a moonlight kayak or canoe paddle or hanging out on the boardwalk at Jaycee Beach Park with your tripod and camera. Other popular moon-gazing spots include Sexton Plaza in Vero Beach, Marina Square in Fort Pierce and Riverview Park in Sebastian.
Whatever your plans are for the weekend don’t forget to take in the moon. Admission is free to all and reservations are never required!
Are you into moon trivia? Here is a fun quiz for “lunatics” everywhere.