This children’s article, “The November supermoon: a bright surprise in the night sky”, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore what makes a supermoon so special. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, an experienced English teacher and writer.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon happens when the moon is both full and very close to Earth in its orbit. The moon does not travel around our planet in a perfect circle. Instead, its path is slightly oval-shaped. This means that sometimes the moon is a bit closer to us, and sometimes it is a bit farther away.
When a full moon appears at its closest point, it looks larger and brighter in the sky than usual.
Why is it called the Beaver Moon?
Every month’s full moon has a traditional name. The Beaver Moon is the name given to November’s full moon. Long ago, people in North America noticed that this was the time of year when beavers were busy building their lodges for winter.
The name reminds us of how animals and people once used the changing moon to track the seasons.
What makes it so special?
A supermoon can appear up to 14% larger and about 30% brighter than a regular full moon.
The difference can be hard to spot unless you compare photos, but it makes the night sky look beautiful and glowing. The November Beaver Moon in 2025 will be the closest full moon of the year, so it will shine especially brightly.
When and how to see it
The November supermoon can be seen on November 5th. You do not need a telescope; just look to the east after sunset or early in the evening. Try to find a place with a clear view of the horizon, away from bright city lights.
If the moon looks huge and golden when it first rises, that is an optical illusion, your eyes make it seem bigger when it is near trees or buildings.
Why people enjoy watching supermoons
Supermoons are a wonderful reminder of how close we are to space. They help scientists learn more about how the moon moves, and they give everyone a reason to stop and look up.
The moon affects ocean tides, inspires stories and art, and has been watched by people all around the world for thousands of years. Seeing it shine extra brightly is something many families enjoy together.
If you would like to read more about full moons and their names, you can visit the Royal Museums Greenwich website: Why do we have special names for full moons?
Article vocabulary list
- Supermoon – A full moon that happens when the moon is closest to Earth, making it look bigger and brighter.
- Orbit – The path one object takes as it moves around another object in space.
- Perigee – The point in the moon’s orbit when it is nearest to Earth.
- Horizon – The line where the sky seems to meet the ground or sea.
- Illusion – Something that looks different from how it really is.
- Tradition – A custom or belief that people have followed for many years.
- Tides – The regular rise and fall of the sea caused by the moon’s gravity.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What is a supermoon?
a) A new moon that is completely dark
b) A full moon that happens when the moon is closest to Earth
c) A moon that looks red during an eclipse
Answer: b) A full moon that happens when the moon is closest to Earth
2. Why is the November full moon called the Beaver Moon?
a) Because beavers build their lodges in November
b) Because the moon looks like a beaver’s tail
c) Because it is brown in colour
Answer: a) Because beavers build their lodges in November
3. How much brighter can a supermoon appear than a normal full moon?
a) About 10 percent brighter
b) About 30 percent brighter
c) About 50 percent brighter
Answer: b) About 30 percent brighter
4. What causes the moon to look bigger when it rises near the horizon?
a) Clouds
b) The moon moving closer to Earth
c) An optical illusion
Answer: c) An optical illusion
5. What do scientists learn from watching the moon?
a) How the moon moves and affects tides
b) How to build beaver lodges
c) How to make the moon brighter
Answer: a) How the moon moves and affects tides
Sinead is a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience. She’s a native English speaker who loves making news stories fun and easy to understand for children around the world. Her passions include travel, animals, and helping to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place.
