Whether you’re an astronomy buff, a dreamer or simply curious, be sure to look up to the sky this Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The Beaver Super Moon, the biggest and brightest full moon of the year, will light up the skies over Marseille in all its splendor. It will take on different hues depending on the time of day you observe it.
But what is a Super Moon? Why “du Castor” and, above all, when will it be at its most spectacular? We tell you all about this little wonder of the cosmos.
Full Moon, Super Moon: what’s the difference?
We’re all familiar with full moons. Whether they’re said to accelerate hair growth or to disturb sleep, the phenomenon is caused by the alignment of the Moon, Earth and Sun. Illuminated by the Sun in its entirety, the Moon appears to us as a perfectly round disk in the sky.
A Super Moon occurs when the full moon coincides with perigee, the moment when the Moon is closest to the Earth. This phenomenon occurs on average three or four times a year, and allows us to observe a full moon that’s a little bigger and brighter than usual.
The Beaver Super Moon: the biggest full moon of the year
356,980 km is the distance separating us from the Super Moon this Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at its closest point. It may be the biggest and brightest of the year, but at first glance, it doesn’t have much to do with a rodent!
The name Beaver Moon comes from North American Native traditions, which associated each full moon of the year with natural or seasonal events. The November full moon corresponded to the period when beavers stepped up the construction of their dams and stocked up before winter. It was also the ideal time for hunters to set traps to retrieve their furs.
When and where to watch the Super Moon in Marseille?
The Moon will reach its maximum illumination and perigee at 2:19 pm. By then, however, it will unfortunately be below the horizon in Marseille. The best time to observe it, weather permitting, will be at dusk, when the Moon rises and the sky begins to darken, from around 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm.
For those who would like to enjoy the show, here are some of the best places to admire the Super Moon in Marseille’s skies:
- Corniche Kennedy for a moon reflected over the sea.
- Le Frioul and les Goudes for an unobstructed view, far from the light pollution of the city center.
- Notre-Dame de la Garde for a bird’s-eye view of the whole city.
- The Palais du Pharo for an ideal view of the Old Port, with an emblematic foreground.
What’s more, if you’re a keen observer, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of Jupiter and Saturn in the Moon’s vicinity!
Next appointment with a Full Moon: December 4, 2025!
This Marseilles cove, where Captain Cousteau dived, is one of the 5 most beautiful beaches in France.