November’s ‘Beaver’ Supermoon Dazzles Over Sydney’s Iconic Beach

A breathtaking timelapse captured Wednesday evening shows November’s spectacular “beaver” supermoon rising majestically over Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach, creating one of 2025’s most impressive celestial displays. The luminous orb appeared dramatically larger than usual as it climbed above the horizon, casting silvery light across the coastal landscape.

This supermoon earned its distinction as the “biggest” of 2025 due to the moon’s closer-than-normal proximity to Earth during its orbital cycle. When the moon reaches this closer distance, called perigee, it can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. The November supermoon is traditionally known as the “beaver moon,” named after the time when beavers actively prepare for winter by building their dams.

The stunning visual impact captured in the Sydney footage results from both the moon’s actual increased size and an optical phenomenon called the “moon illusion.” This psychological effect makes the moon appear even more enormous when it sits near the horizon, as our brains compare it to familiar objects like buildings, trees, or in this case, the beachscape. The illusion creates an almost surreal, oversized appearance that photographers and skywatchers eagerly anticipate.

Beyond its visual appeal, supermoons can have subtle environmental effects, including slightly stronger tidal forces that may influence coastal ecosystems. While the differences are generally minimal, marine biologists sometimes observe minor variations in tidal pool activity and coastal wildlife behavior during these lunar events. For astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, November’s beaver supermoon provided a perfect reminder of our planet’s intimate dance with its celestial companion.