When to watch tonight's full moon - followed by Leonids meteor shower this weekend

Full Moon

The full moon in November is known as the Beaver Moon. Traditionally, November's full moon would be the last full moon before the winter solstice. At this time of the year, beavers are busy building their winter dams and lodges, preparing for the cold weather ahead.

This year, the full moon will occur on Thursday, November 8th, 2023. The moon will be at its fullest at 12:29 PM EST.

The Beaver Moon will be visible all night long, but the best time to view it will be after sunset. Find a spot with a clear view of the horizon and look for the moon to rise in the east.

Leonids Meteor Shower

The Leonids meteor shower is an annual meteor shower that occurs every year in November. The shower is caused by debris from the comet Tempel-Tuttle. When the Earth passes through this debris, the comet's dust and ice particles enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up, creating meteors.

The Leonids meteor shower is known for producing bright, fast meteors. The shower is expected to peak on the night of November 17th, 2023, but meteors will be visible for several nights before and after the peak.

To view the Leonids meteor shower, find a spot with a clear view of the sky. Lie down on a blanket or chair and look up. You should be able to see meteors streaking across the sky.

Tips for viewing the full moon and meteor shower

• Find a clear spot with a view of the horizon and the sky.
• Bring a blanket or chair to lie down on.
• Be patient. It may take some time to see a meteor.
• Dress warmly, as it may be cold at night.