The beaver moon, of course, is named for the animal itself. Beavers are the largest living rodents in North America and are known for their long, flat tails which they use to swim faster, balance, and make loud alarm calls. With large orange teeth, they cut down trees and other vegetation for food and building materials.

Skygazers will soon be able to see the moon appear larger and brighter than normal for the last time until next year. The fourth and final supermoon of 2024 will reach peak illumination at 3:28 p.m. CT on Friday,

More a popular term than a scientific one, a supermoon occurs when a full lunar phase syncs up with an especially close swing around Earth. This usually happens only three or four times a year and consecutively, given the moon’s constantly shifting, oval-shaped orbit.