The largest and brightest supermoon of 2025 will rise over Vietnam on the night of November 5, appearing up to 14% larger and nearly 30% brighter than a typical full moon.
According to National Geographic, this full moon, known as a supermoon due to its proximity to Earth, will reach peak illumination at exactly 8:19 PM (Vietnam time) on November 5.
Commonly referred to as the “Beaver Moon” in North America, this full moon coincides with the time when beavers begin building their winter lodges before rivers freeze.
It is the second in a trio of consecutive supermoons occurring at the end of 2025.
The supermoon will reach its fullest phase at 8:19 PM on November 5 (Vietnam time). Photo: Earth
NASA notes that aside from “Beaver Moon,” the November full moon also carries traditional names such as “Frost Moon,” “Snow Moon,” or “Trading Moon,” reflecting ancient customs, weather patterns, and agricultural life across different cultures.
Astronomers advise that while the official peak occurs on the night of November 5, the most visually stunning time to view the supermoon might be during sunset or when the moon hangs low on the eastern horizon on November 6.
At that time, viewers can expect to see a glowing golden-orange moon against the dusky sky.
A full moon becomes a “supermoon” when it coincides with its closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit.
This year, experts say the moon will be at a distance of approximately 357,000 kilometers from Earth, making it significantly larger and brighter than usual.
Specifically, at perigee (the moon’s nearest point to Earth), the apparent size can increase by up to 14%, and brightness can rise by about 30%, according to LiveScience.
That makes the night of November 5 the best chance of the year to witness the biggest and brightest moon of 2025.
As the moon rises above the horizon - usually between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM depending on the location - its light passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, taking on soft golden and orange hues.
The supermoon rises over Huntsville, Alabama, home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, on August 19, 2024. Photo: NASA
This optical effect can make the moon appear even more dramatic in size.
Ideal viewing locations include open areas such as beaches, lakesides, hills, or wide terraces.
In Vietnam, while not located in a temperate zone like North America, the supermoon will still be visible in high clarity if skies are clear and free from pollution or heavy cloud cover.
Locations away from city lights, such as suburban or rural areas, offer even better viewing conditions as the moon will appear more radiant in darker surroundings.
Experts recommend viewing the moon during the early evening hours of November 6 - between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM - when it is low on the horizon, for the most breathtaking visual experience.
To the naked eye, the moon will appear significantly larger and brighter than at any other time this year.
This supermoon follows the Harvest Moon of October and will be succeeded by the Cold Moon in December, marking the second of three consecutive supermoons to close out the year.
Coastal and riverine regions in central and southern Vietnam, such as Nha Trang, Phu Yen, and the Mekong Delta, are considered excellent locations for moon-watching due to their wide-open skies and minimal artificial lighting.
Vietnamnet.vn
Podcast
.svg){kind=icon}
