Why North Carolina Is a Top Spot to Watch November’s Supermoon Shine
Hey y’all, if you’ve ever stepped outside on a crisp fall evening and marveled at the glowing moon over the Carolina sky, get ready—because the next Supermoon is lighting up the heavens on November 5, and North Carolina is one of the best places in the country to see it!
According to a new study from The Action Network, the Tar Heel State ranks #13 nationwide for Supermoon visibility. That means we’ve got a pretty good shot at seeing the moon in all its oversized, luminous glory—especially from our mountain ranges.
🌕 What Makes North Carolina a Supermoon Hotspot
The study introduced something called the Supermoon Visibility Index, which looked at things like:
- Sky clarity and humidity
- Elevation and dark-sky access
- Average number of clear days
When those factors were converted into viewing probabilities, North Carolina scored an implied 2.34% probability (with betting odds of +4173). Translation? A solid mid-range chance of a crystal-clear moonlit view.
Our state’s average elevation of 700 feet rises dramatically in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, giving skywatchers an edge. November usually brings about 11 clear days, and our moderate humidity (54%) makes for steady, balanced skies. Add in a darkness score of 3.5/5, with several Bortle 2 and 3 dark-sky locations, and you’ve got the perfect setup for stargazing magic.
🌄 Where to Watch
If you’re planning your Supermoon adventure, you can’t go wrong with:
- Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks – sweeping views and open horizons
- Pisgah National Forest – forest clearings ideal for deep-sky clarity
- Grandfather Mountain – high elevation and stunning moonrise views
A spokesperson for The Action Network summed it up perfectly:
“From Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks to Pisgah National Forest and Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina provides a range of accessible dark-sky areas where skywatchers, photographers, and night-sky enthusiasts will have the best chance of a clear view.”
📸 Tips for the Perfect Moon Moment
If you’re planning to soak up the sight (or snap that Insta-worthy shot), here are a few quick tips:
- Time it right: Watch around moonrise or moonset for the most dramatic size and color.
- Go dark: Head to a spot away from city lights—think parks, lakesides, or overlooks about 20–30 minutes outside town.
- Climb higher: Hilltops, ridgelines, and mountain pull-offs make all the difference.
- Steady your shot: Use a tripod or rest your camera on something solid to capture that glow without blur.
So grab a blanket, a thermos of cocoa, and maybe a friend or two—and head for the hills. The moon will be waiting, bigger and brighter than usual, to remind you just how magical a Carolina night can be.
