Time to set beaver traps before the swamps freeze to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Beaver Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now active in their preparation for winter.

Also called the Frosty Moon.

The second total lunar eclipse of 2003 also occurs on this night. The umbral phase of the eclipse, involving a partial shadow, will run from 6:32 p.m. to 10:05 p.m. EST. Totality will last only 24 minutes, beginning at 8:07 p.m.