Supermoon over Majorca: On November 5 it's worth looking up

Supermoon on November 5: A celestial event that enchants the island

When the evening wind from the sea blows a little cooler through the streets and the promenades quiet down after the day, it's worth looking east this time: On November 5, 2025 the Moon will approach the Earth so closely that it stands out as a so-called Supermoon over Majorca: On November 5 it's worth looking up. On Majorca, where the streetlights often compete with the sound of the waves, this light suddenly looks different — clearer, larger, almost as if someone had turned up the contrast.

When and where to see it best

Expect a rise shortly after 5:15 PM. It usually looks most impressive about an hour after moonrise, when dusk fades and the sky is dark enough, but there is still enough outline left to make houses and olive trees visible in the foreground. For a quick view the Paseo Marítimo in Palma is enough — a few steps from the harbour and you can already see the moon over the sea. If you want more peace, Castell de Bellver with its pine borders that rustle in the wind is recommended, or a drive to the north: Cap de Formentor offers wide horizons, to the east the bay of Cala Millor often shows calm water and less light pollution.

The rural corners also show themselves at their best: Serra de Tramuntana, Santanyí or the coastal road near Llucmajor have less artificial light at night — ideal if you want to see stars and maybe even a shooting star or two.

Why the Moon appears larger

The reason is astronomically simple: at perigee, the nearest point of its elliptical orbit to Earth, the Moon is about 357,000 kilometres away. That makes it visibly larger — experts talk about up to 14% larger and up to 30% brighter compared to an average full moon. For us this means: noticeably stronger moonlight, longer shadows and photo motifs that make even familiar places look cinematic. Not a bad excuse to take another evening walk. For a scientific explanation see What is a supermoon?

More than just a big moon: shooting stars and traditions

November often brings even more celestial guests: International Meteor Organization - Meteor shower calendar can complement the spectacle, especially if the night remains clear. On the farms and in smaller villages you sometimes hear nothing but crickets and the creaking of pines while the moon watches over the fields. In other countries the November full moon has names like the "Beaver Moon" — on Majorca these names rather conjure long evenings, open fireplaces and the first strong Tramuntana gusts. For accounts of seeing shooting stars on the island see Perseid Glow: How to Experience Mallorca's Shooting Stars.

Practical tips for observers and photographers

If you want to take a photo: a telephoto lens brings details onto the sensor, a wide-angle with a short exposure shows landscape and moon together. Don't forget a tripod — and warm clothes: coastal evenings can be surprisingly chilly, a thermos with coffee or hot chocolate never hurts. Be careful when parking: viewpoints fill up quickly, many stop spontaneously at the roadside. Please be considerate and do not block driveways. For additional practical observing advice see Total Lunar Eclipse: Evening Tips for Observers on Mallorca.

Tip: Look east — the supermoon rises and remains visible until the early morning hours. If you want to see it setting on the west coast, plan for a long evening; it's worth it.

In short: November 5 offers a lovely opportunity to rediscover Majorca's night sky. With a bit of luck, the interplay of moonlight, the sound of the sea and the cold November air will become one of those quiet island moments you like to keep — with a camera or simply in your mind.