Beaver Moon 2013 and the Leonid Meteor Shower [1]

By: Michele Berger, 11/15/2013

It’s time for another full moon this weekend. November’s is known most commonly as the Beaver Moon, but it’s also been called the Frosty Moon or even the Hunter’s Moon (though that’s typically how October’s is referred to). The Beaver Moon peaks overnight Sunday, Nov. 17. It’s part of a trio of night-sky wonders this weekend, along with the Leonid meteor shower and prime viewing of Comet ISON.

 

According to folklore, the Beaver Moon gets its name for one of a few different reasons, both having to do with the dam-building, nocturnal rodents with the oar-shaped tails. The Old Farmer’s Almanac postulates that it is called the Beaver Moon because this month was just the right moment to set beaver traps before the winter freeze. But according to National Geographic, it could also be attributed to the “heavy activity of beavers building their winter dams.”

 

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