Stargazers are in for a treat this week as the year’s biggest and brightest full moon rises on Wednesday night.

While tradition for some is to commemorate Guy Fawkes on 5 November with fireworks, this year the natural supermoon spectacle is set to light up the sky as the Milk Moon, as South Africans call it, rises.

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According to NASA, a supermoon occurs when the moon’s orbit brings it closest to earth at the same time it becomes full.

Because the moon’s orbit is slightly elliptical, this alignment makes it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the faintest full moon of the year.

This month’s supermoon will come within 356 980km of earth, around 30 000km closer than usual.

That’s just enough to create a noticeably brighter and more luminous moonrise especially striking over the Zululand coastline.

What makes this so special?

Astronomers refer to this as a perigean full moon, and November’s event is the second of three supermoons in 2025, following October’s Whale Moon and preceding the Springbok Moon in December.

Skywatchers across South Africa will be able to see the Milk Moon rise at around 7.34 pm, provided skies are clear.

ALSO READ: Whale Moon: October full moon first of three consecutive supermoons in 2025

The northern hemisphere’s Beaver Moon name dates back centuries to North American folklore, marking the time when beavers built their lodges and gathered supplies before the winter freeze.

The Milk Moon name is a nod to the cultural and agricultural significance of milk as a vital food source in both ancient and modern African societies.

As the moon rises, it may appear even larger than it truly is because of a phenomenon called Moon Illusion, caused by how our brains perceive objects close to the horizon.

So, while it’s not actually swelling in size, its glow and grandeur will still make it feel utterly magical.

SOURCES: www.getaway.co.za | www.timeout.co.za | www.thesouthafrican.com

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