Beaver Supermoon: Pakistan to witness year’s biggest, brightest moon

People across Pakistan are in for a celestial treat this evening as the Beaver Supermoon, the largest and brightest full moon of 2025, rises at 6:19 pm PST.

According to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the moon will reach its closest point to Earth at a distance of about 356,980 kilometres, appearing nearly 8 percent larger and 16 percent brighter than an average full moon.

This month’s spectacle marks the second in a rare trio of consecutive supermoons gracing the skies in October, November, and December. Astronomers say such alignments, though common a few times each year, seldom appear as striking as this one.

A night of natural brilliance

For those wondering, a supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon’s perigee — the point in its orbit where it comes closest to Earth. This makes the moon look noticeably bigger and brighter, especially when it rises near the horizon.

“This is the year’s most impressive supermoon, and people will see a slightly larger, glowing orb climbing over the eastern horizon just after sunset,” said a SUPARCO official.

The November full moon is traditionally known as the “Beaver Moon” — a name rooted in folklore. Some say it refers to the time when beavers were most active in building their winter dams, while others trace it back to early trappers setting beaver traps before the waterways froze.

How to watch it best

Stargazers won’t need any special equipment. The best view will come shortly after sunset, looking eastward. Clear skies will make the experience even more breathtaking, so those in areas with less light pollution — such as the countryside or open spaces — are in for the best views.

Experts suggest switching on a phone’s night mode if taking pictures, or using binoculars for a closer look at the moon’s rugged craters and glowing edges.

Though the full phase technically peaks in the afternoon, the moon’s brilliance will dominate the evening skies for the next couple of nights as well.