While it is getting darker earlier in Metro Vancouver, this month’s full beaver moon promises to illuminate the night sky.
The full moon takes place on Thursday, Nov. 22 at 9:39 p.m. Therefore, stargazers won’t have to stay up too late to see the moon in its fullest glory.
The November full moon is thought to have derived its funny name because it occurred during the optimal time to trap the furry creatures. In fact, both colonial Americans as well as the Algonquin tribes referred to it as such.
“Why this name? Back then, this was the month to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs,” according to the Farmer’s Almanac.
While it is commonly known as the beaver moon, it was also called the full frost moon by other North American tribes.
What’s more, this full moon casts long, hauntingly beautiful shadows in the northern hemisphere. They are similar to those cast by the midday summer sun, as the moon is extremely high in the sky during this time.
“Full moons during the winter months in North America climb as high in the sky as the summer noonday sun, and cast similar shadows,” reports Space.
Stargazers should opt to travel as far away from city lights as possible in order to avoid light pollution that will obscure the clarity of heavenly bodies. While this works best the in more remote places, anywhere that has a higher elevation will also provide more ideal viewing conditions.
