2024 seems to have been an eventful year for space enthusiasts in the UAE. In just the last few months, a mini-moon hovered around earth, the biggest supermoon of 2024 was seen, a city-sized asteroid headed towards our planet in October, and a rare comet that appears once every several thousand years was spotted in UAE skies.

Now, as the year nears its end, residents have a chance to witness a rare celestial moment as the final supermoon of the year will serve as the backdrop for bright lights streaking across the sky in the Leonids meteor shower. Both these spectacles will occur on November 16, although they peak at different times.

That is just a misperception, say experts in the UAE. The sky is always active with events, and the perception of increased space activity is "largely shaped by media and social platforms," according to Ibrahim Ghounaimat, crescent observer specialist and member of International Astronomical Centre (IAC). "Some are highlighted more due to their rarity or unique features, making them stand out," he added.

While celestial events are generally consistent over time, "what’s changed is that people are more aware and observant due to growing interest in astronomy and increased access to resources like astronomy apps and social media updates," said Khadijah Al Hariri, Operations Manager at Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG).

Now, another one of these space phenomenon are set to take place, and UAE residents across the country can witness a cosmic wonder as the supermoon and Leonids meteor shower combine to create an eventful sky. While the Leonid meteor shower occurs annually, the likelihood of coinciding with a supermoon, which typically occurs three to four times per year, is relatively uncommon.

In November, UAE residents can look to the skies to spot these bright lights after midnight, and in the early hours before dawn. Although the shower will peak around midnight of November 17 and 18, it will be visible for almost the rest of this month.

The final supermoon of the year – Beaver's moon – will be the fourth consecutive one in the 2024 series, following August's blue supermoon, September's Harvest moon, and October's Hunter's moon.

A supermoon is when the moon is at its closest point to the Earth, and so will appear bigger than usual. Due to the proximity, the moon will also appear to be brighter to human eyesight, according to DAG.

This supermoon will peak throughout the night of November 16, and will be most visible just after moonrise. While residents can simply look up to see the supermoon, telescopes will offer an enhanced view, showing more detail on the lunar surface, according to DAG.

According to Khadijah, the name "Beaver Moon" comes from Native American and colonial traditions in North America, where each month's full moon was named based on seasonal activities or natural events. "November’s full moon marked the time when beavers prepared for winter, and trappers set their last beaver traps before the waters froze."