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How To Watch The Beaver Moon

by Lauren Holter

November's full moon, adorably nicknamed the Beaver Moon, will fill the sky Wednesday night and still be 98 percent full on Thanksgiving night. If you have an affinity for astronomy, celestial events, or just beautiful night skies, you won't want to miss this. Luckily, the moon is available for everyone's viewing pleasure, but it can be hard to see in big cities with skyscrapers blocking much of the sky. To avoid obstructions or missing it completely, there are certain spots to watch the Beaver Moon in different cities across the U.S. for an optimal view.

You may be wondering why this particular full moon is called the Beaver Moon, and there are two possible explanations. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, Native Americans gifted it with this name because it marked the time to set beaver traps before swamps froze to ensure they would have enough fur for winter. However, another possibility is that it signifies the time beavers begin actively preparing for winter. Because November's full moon also marks the beginning of winter, it's also called the Frosty Moon, but any name involving a furry creature is infinitely better.

For a perfect view, here's how to watch the Beaver Moon in 10 different cities.

New York City

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The density of New York City's tall buildings makes it difficult to see anything, so the best spot to catch more than a glimpse of the Beaver Moon is a rooftop. If your building doesn't have rooftop access, there are plenty of rooftop bars still open, and a cocktail will only make the experience ten times better. Try Skylark in Midtown, The Press Lounge in Hell's Kitchen, or The Ides at Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg for a clear view.

Los Angeles

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For the perfect view of the moon in Los Angeles, visit the Griffith Observatory. It has the advantage of sitting on Mount Hollywood, so no buildings will block your view, and there's bound to be a crowd to enjoy the sight with.

San Francisco

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If you don't mind a bit of a drive, Mission Peak Regional Preserve offers incredible views of the Santa Clara Valley and night sky. The gate to the parking lot closes at dusk, but you can park at Stanford Avenue and hike about half a mile for an unobstructed view of the Beaver Moon.

Denver

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There are plenty of winter patios in Denver enclosed or equipped with heat lamps to keep you toasty while you gaze up at the moon and sip a beer. Try Historians Ale House's or Ignite Burgers & Lounge's rooftop bars, or Denver Beer Co.'s open patio for clear views of the sky.

Chicago

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Chicago's Willis Tower Skydeck has clear observation boxes 103 stories in the air, so you can see the full moon above the whole city. Be sure to get there early though, since visitors are only allowed to enter before 7:30 p.m.

Dallas

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Dallas' Reunion Tower observation deck boasts a 360-degree view of the city and sky, which is ideal for a Beaver Moon viewing.

Boston

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The Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory, open to new visitors until 7:30 p.m., gives you a bird's eye view of Boston, and birds always have the best view of the moon.

Atlanta

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If you're in Atlanta, check out the view from a cozy rooftop bar like Six Feet Under, Cameli's Gourmet Pizza's patio, or Republic Social House's deck.

Seattle

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Seattle's famous Space Needle observation deck allows visitors to enter until 9 p.m., offering a panoramic view of the Seattle skyline and nothing standing in between your eyes and the moon. You could also grab a drink at the Frolik Kitchen+Cocktails patio bar.

Miami

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For amazing views of the Beaver Moon hovering over the beach in Miami, visit the Juvia rooftop restaurant and bar or the FIFTY at The Viceroy nightclub .