On the evening of 5 November, the UAE will be treated to a rare celestial spectacle as the Beaver Moon reaches its fullest and closest point to Earth this year. Known as the biggest and brightest supermoon of 2025, this lunar event promises a stunning display visible to the naked eye, while offering astronomers and stargazers an opportunity to observe the Moon’s surface in striking detail. From deserts to observatories, the country’s skies are set to light up with an unforgettable glow.
What makes this Supermoon special
The Beaver Supermoon is more than just a visually striking full moon. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with its perigee, the closest point in its orbit to Earth. Unlike the Moon’s typical circular orbit, its path around our planet is slightly elliptical, bringing it closer at times and farther at others. On 5 November, the Moon will be approximately 356,000 kilometres from Earth, nearly 30,000 kilometres closer than usual.
This proximity enhances its size and brightness: the Moon will appear around 8 per cent larger and 16 per cent brighter than a typical full moon. Some observers report the effect is particularly pronounced near the horizon, when the Moon rises against the landscape, giving it a warm, golden hue before it climbs higher into the night sky. According to Khadijah Hasan Ahmed, Operations Manager at the Dubai Astronomy Group , this Beaver Supermoon is the most luminous lunar event of 2025, surpassing the previous Hunter’s Supermoon on 7 October and preceding the Cold Supermoon on 5 December.
Origins of the Beaver Moon
The term “Beaver Moon” dates back to early North American traditions, where full moons were named according to natural and seasonal markers. November marked the time when beavers completed their winter lodges and stocked food in preparation for the frozen months ahead. Early Native American communities and European settlers adopted these observations to mark the passage of time.
In modern terms, the Beaver Moon simply denotes November’s full moon. The astronomical phenomenon of a supermoon only occurs occasionally when the full moon’s peak coincides with perigee, making the 5 November appearance particularly noteworthy. Other traditional names for this moon include the Deer Rutting Moon, Digging Moon, and Frost Moon, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Optimal viewing locations in the UAE
For those wishing to witness the Beaver Supermoon, timing and location matter. The Moon will rise shortly after sunset, around 5:17pm, appearing largest and most colourful near the eastern horizon. It remains visible throughout the night, gradually turning from golden to its usual white glow.
Recommended viewing locations across the UAE include:
Community stargazing and the year in lunar events
The Dubai Astronomy Group is hosting a public stargazing event at Al Awir Second Park from 7pm to 9pm. Tickets range from Dh100 to Dh120. The programme includes:
2025 has been exceptional for lunar enthusiasts in the UAE. Earlier this year, a total lunar eclipse in September captured public attention, and a series of three supermoons has provided multiple viewing opportunities. This sequence, Hunter’s Supermoon (7 October), Beaver Supermoon (5 November), and Cold Supermoon (5 December), offers a rare chance to observe the Moon’s changing appearance across consecutive months.
“The Beaver Supermoon can be seen with the naked eye, but through telescopes, you can see craters and mountains in detail. It’s truly a sight worth experiencing,” said Khadijah Hasan Ahmed.
What makes this Supermoon special
The Beaver Supermoon is more than just a visually striking full moon. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with its perigee, the closest point in its orbit to Earth. Unlike the Moon’s typical circular orbit, its path around our planet is slightly elliptical, bringing it closer at times and farther at others. On 5 November, the Moon will be approximately 356,000 kilometres from Earth, nearly 30,000 kilometres closer than usual.
This proximity enhances its size and brightness: the Moon will appear around 8 per cent larger and 16 per cent brighter than a typical full moon. Some observers report the effect is particularly pronounced near the horizon, when the Moon rises against the landscape, giving it a warm, golden hue before it climbs higher into the night sky. According to Khadijah Hasan Ahmed, Operations Manager at the Dubai Astronomy Group , this Beaver Supermoon is the most luminous lunar event of 2025, surpassing the previous Hunter’s Supermoon on 7 October and preceding the Cold Supermoon on 5 December.
Origins of the Beaver Moon
The term “Beaver Moon” dates back to early North American traditions, where full moons were named according to natural and seasonal markers. November marked the time when beavers completed their winter lodges and stocked food in preparation for the frozen months ahead. Early Native American communities and European settlers adopted these observations to mark the passage of time.
In modern terms, the Beaver Moon simply denotes November’s full moon. The astronomical phenomenon of a supermoon only occurs occasionally when the full moon’s peak coincides with perigee, making the 5 November appearance particularly noteworthy. Other traditional names for this moon include the Deer Rutting Moon, Digging Moon, and Frost Moon, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Optimal viewing locations in the UAE
For those wishing to witness the Beaver Supermoon, timing and location matter. The Moon will rise shortly after sunset, around 5:17pm, appearing largest and most colourful near the eastern horizon. It remains visible throughout the night, gradually turning from golden to its usual white glow.
Recommended viewing locations across the UAE include:
- Al Qudra Lakes , Dubai: Open 24 hours, offering a wide, unobstructed view of the horizon, free from city lights. Accessible via 4×4 vehicles, with nearby facilities such as Last Exit Al Qudra for refreshments.
- Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah: Elevated vantage point above urban lighting, providing clear panoramic views.
- Al Sadeem Observatory, Abu Dhabi: Ideal for telescope observations of lunar craters and mountains.
- Al Barsha Pond Park, Dubai: Open until 11:30pm, featuring walking paths and well-lit areas suitable for casual moon-watching.
- Hatta: Further into the Hajar Mountains, away from light pollution, with opportunities for overnight camping.
- Jebel Ali Beach and Kite Beach: Coastal locations offering free, unobstructed views. Kite Beach remains accessible through the night.
- The Viewing Point, Dubai Creek Harbour: 70-metre walkway with views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai; ideal for a combination of cityscape and lunar observation.
Community stargazing and the year in lunar events
The Dubai Astronomy Group is hosting a public stargazing event at Al Awir Second Park from 7pm to 9pm. Tickets range from Dh100 to Dh120. The programme includes:
- 7pm: Welcome session
- 7:30pm: Educational talk on the Beaver Supermoon
- 8pm: Q&A session
- 8:15pm onwards: Telescope observation, including opportunities for lunar photography
2025 has been exceptional for lunar enthusiasts in the UAE. Earlier this year, a total lunar eclipse in September captured public attention, and a series of three supermoons has provided multiple viewing opportunities. This sequence, Hunter’s Supermoon (7 October), Beaver Supermoon (5 November), and Cold Supermoon (5 December), offers a rare chance to observe the Moon’s changing appearance across consecutive months.
“The Beaver Supermoon can be seen with the naked eye, but through telescopes, you can see craters and mountains in detail. It’s truly a sight worth experiencing,” said Khadijah Hasan Ahmed.
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