People across Pakistan will witness the breathtaking Beaver Supermoon tonight, the biggest and brightest full moon of 2025.
Astronomers say the moon will come as close as 356,980 kilometers (about 221,817 miles) to Earth and will shine at its peak brightness at 6:19 pm Pakistan time. The rare sight will be visible across the world, including Pakistan.
Experts explain that although the distance difference between the moon and Earth is not easily noticeable to the naked eye, a supermoon appears about 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than a regular full moon. Tonight’s supermoon will look 9.7 percent bigger and 16 percent brighter than usual. It is the second of three consecutive supermoons in 2025, following October’s and preceding December’s.
A supermoon occurs when the full moon aligns with its closest point to Earth, known as perigee. This phenomenon happens three to four times a year, but tonight’s supermoon is the closest and brightest of them all.
The name Beaver Moon comes from ancient Native American and European traditions. During this time of the year, beavers prepare for winter by building dams, while hunters used to set traps for their fur. The full moon in this season was therefore called the Beaver Moon.