A vibrant moon will look slightly bigger and brighter Wednesday night during the closest supermoon of the year.

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This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

Capturing November’s Supermoon: A Spectacular Showcase in Photos

Understanding the November 2025 Supermoon

This November, skywatchers are in for a treat! The full moon occurring on November 6th, 2025, is a supermoon – appearing larger and brighter than usual. This phenomenon happens when the full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit (perigee). Understanding the lunar cycle and perigee is key to appreciating this celestial event. The November full moon is also traditionally known as the beaver Moon, a name originating from Native American traditions referencing this time of year when beavers begin to build their dams for the winter.

What Makes a Supermoon “Super”?

The difference between a regular full moon and a supermoon isn’t dramatically noticeable to the casual observer, but it is measurable. A supermoon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a full moon at its farthest point from Earth (apogee). This increased brightness makes it ideal for astrophotography and simply enjoying the view. Factors influencing the supermoon’s appearance include atmospheric conditions and your location.

Gear Up: Essential Equipment for Supermoon Photography

Capturing stunning photos of the supermoon requires a little more than just a smartphone. While smartphone cameras have improved substantially, dedicated equipment will yield far superior results.

* Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls is highly recommended. Cameras with larger sensors generally perform better in low light.

* Lens: A telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 200mm is crucial for bringing the moon closer. 300mm or 400mm lenses are even better.

* Tripod: Absolutely essential! A sturdy tripod will prevent camera shake, especially when using long exposures.

* Remote Shutter Release: Minimizes camera shake caused by physically pressing the shutter button.

* Filters (Optional): A moon filter can reduce glare and enhance detail.

Shooting Techniques: Mastering Supermoon Photography

Camera Settings for Optimal Results

Achieving sharp, detailed images of the supermoon requires careful attention to camera settings.

1. Shooting mode: Manual (M) mode gives you complete control.
2. Aperture: Start with an aperture around f/8 to f/11 for good sharpness.
3. ISO: Keep ISO as low as possible (typically ISO 100 or 200) to minimize noise.
4. Shutter Speed: Adjust shutter speed to achieve proper exposure. Start with 1/125th of a second and adjust as needed. Faster shutter speeds are needed to freeze the moon’s motion.
5. Focus: Manual focus is best. Use live view and zoom in to achieve critical focus on the moon’s surface.
6. White Balance: Auto white balance usually works well, but you can experiment with diffrent settings.

Composition Tips for Striking Images

Don’t just center the moon in your frame! Creative composition can elevate your photos.

* Rule of thirds: Position the moon off-center, along one of the intersecting points of the rule of thirds grid.

* foreground Elements: Incorporate interesting foreground elements like trees, buildings, or landscapes to add context and scale. Silhouetted foregrounds can be especially effective.

* Moonrise/moonset: Capture the moon as it rises or sets for dramatic lighting and atmospheric effects.

* Panoramic Views: Combine multiple images to create a stunning panoramic view of the moon and the surrounding landscape.

Post-Processing: Enhancing Your Supermoon Photos

Post-processing is where you can truly bring out the details in your supermoon photos. Software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop are invaluable tools.

* Sharpening: Apply sharpening to enhance the moon’s craters and surface features.

* Contrast: Adjust contrast to make the moon stand out against the dark sky.

* Highlights & Shadows: Fine-tune highlights and shadows to reveal detail in both radiant and dark areas.

* Noise Reduction: Reduce noise, especially if you shot at a higher ISO.

* Color Correction: Adjust white balance and color temperature to achieve a natural look.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies

In November 2016, a supermoon captivated photographers worldwide. Images showcasing the moon rising over iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty went viral, demonstrating the power of combining a spectacular celestial event with compelling composition. Analyzing these successful images reveals a common thread: careful planning, precise execution, and thoughtful post-processing. The 2022 supermoon also saw a surge in astrophotography submissions, highlighting the growing popularity of this hobby.

Benefits of Supermoon Photography

Beyond the stunning images, supermoon photography offers several benefits:

* Connects you with nature: Spending time observing and photographing the night sky fosters a deeper thankfulness for the natural world.

* Develops technical skills: Mastering the techniques of astrophotography enhances your overall photographic skills.

* Provides a creative outlet: Supermoon photography allows you to express your creativity and artistic vision.

* Shares beauty with others: Sharing