The upcoming full moon in Central Kentucky will be one of the last for 2023. Known as the “beaver” moon, it will peak on Monday, November 27 at 4:16 a.m. NASA reports it will appear close to full the evening before. This lunar event is named so because it is the time of year when beavers shelter for the winter. Lexington residents may face weather-related challenges when viewing the full moon, as the National Weather Service forecasts partly cloudy skies on Monday night and a 40% chance of showers on Sunday night. To get the best view of this month’s beaver moon and other sights in the night sky, NASA scientists recommend scoping out a dark, more rural stargazing spot if possible. The Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club typically hosts stargazing events at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, which may include a winter meeting in the coming months. The final full moon of the year, the “cold” moon, will occur on Tuesday, December 26. If you’re interested in stargazing, NASA offers some tips such as heading at least 20 to 30 miles from urban areas, finding a space on the side of a large wilderness area or body of water, looking for higher altitude locations, going to an area with open views, and ensuring to avoid trespassing. For any questions about the environment in Kentucky, reach out to our service journalism team by filling out the Know Your Kentucky form or emailing [email protected].
Best Night to Catch a Glimpse of the Beaver Moon Rising Over Kentucky
