Supermoons and the Fall Night Sky
I love autumn evenings at Slide Ranch. The ocean air sharpens, and as the sun dips behind the horizon, the night sky opens to wonder. And this fall, we are graced with three consecutive supermoons! We celebrated the first at Slide earlier this month, but the largest supermoon of the year is on November 5, the Beaver Moon.
What is a Supermoon? A supermoon happens when the Moon is both full and at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. That proximity makes the Moon look bigger and brighter than usual - sometimes up to 14% larger and nearly 30% brighter. At Slide Ranch, that brilliance is amplified: moonlight glimmers across the ocean ripples, illuminates the coastal bluffs, and casts silver light over the pasture.
The Night Sky in Fall Even though the full Moon washes out many stars, fall nights offer other skywatching treasures. The bright summer triangle - Vega, Deneb, and Altair - still lingers in the west. Pegasus, the winged horse, rises high overhead, guiding your eyes to the Andromeda Galaxy, our nearest galactic neighbor. Jupiter and Saturn often shine in the southeast, their steady glow easy to spot even with moonlight.
Why the Moon Matters Here At Slide Ranch, we are lucky to live close to and share the rhythms of nature. The phases of the moon guide the tides below our bluffs. The light of a supermoon makes evening walks along the trails glow without the need for headlamps on our night hikes with students. For generations, people have looked to the moon to mark time, plant crops, and tell stories. Out here by the ocean, it feels easier to slip into that same rhythm.
Join Us Under the Moon On Tuesday, November 5, Slide Ranch is hosting our second and final Supermoon Evening. Come enjoy a farm-fresh dinner, coastal moonrise (pending weather), and guided activities that bring the magic of the night sky to life. Or enjoy the supermoon in your backyard. When the Moon rises, step outside and look at the shadows it creates. Kids (and adults!) can try shadow puppet wolves with their hands, howling to the full moon.
Whether you join us at the Ranch or celebrate at home, take a moment to watch the moon rise, notice how its brilliance transforms the landscape, and connect with the wonder of the full moon.
P.S. Join us at an upcoming workshop or December Family Farm Day here are Slide Ranch!
