Skywatchers are in for a celestial treat this November, with the night sky promising a mix of brilliant meteor showers, planetary displays, and a glowing supermoon. From Mercury’s dazzling appearance to the return of winter constellations, the month is packed with must-see cosmic events for stargazers.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 1-2 | Mercury at its highest |
| November 4-5 | Southern Taurid meteor shower |
| November 4-5 | Super Beaver moon |
| November 6 | The Moon meets the Pleiades cluster |
| November 11-12 | Northern Taurid meteor shower |
| November 17-18 | Leonid meteor shower |
| November 20 | Micro new moon |
| November 21 | Uranus at opposition |
| November 27 | Hyades star cluster visible |
| Throughout November | Return of winter constellations |
The smallest planet in our Solar System, Mercury, reaches its highest point in the evening sky on November 1 and 2. It can be spotted low in the western sky shortly after sunset, glowing brightly near the horizon before it sets.
What makes the early November nights special?
Between November 4 and 5, the Southern Taurid meteor shower will paint the night with slow, glowing fireballs. Best viewed after midnight, the shower is known for producing bright, long-lasting meteors visible in dark skies. On the same nights, November’s full moon, known as the “Beaver Moon”, will appear larger and brighter than usual as it becomes a supermoon.
What happens when the Moon meets the stars?
On November 6, the Moon will drift close to the Pleiades star cluster, often called the “Seven Sisters”. This encounter creates a captivating view through binoculars or small telescopes as the Moon appears to glide past the glittering cluster.
Are more meteor showers coming up?
The Northern Taurid meteor shower follows on November 11 and 12, bringing a few bright streaks across the sky. Later, on November 17 and 18, the famous Leonid meteor shower will return. With around 10 to 15 meteors visible per hour and only a thin crescent moon, the viewing conditions will be excellent for those under dark skies.
What makes the later part of the month unique?
A micro new moon arrives on November 20, occurring when the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth. This creates a darker sky ideal for stargazing and deep-sky photography. The following night, on November 21, Uranus reaches opposition—its brightest point of the year. Through a telescope or binoculars, the planet will appear as a faint blue-green disk.
Which stars mark the arrival of winter?
By late November, the Hyades star cluster will shine in the constellation Taurus, forming a distinctive V-shape in the night sky. Throughout the month, familiar constellations such as Orion, Taurus, and Gemini will also return, signalling the start of the winter sky season.
As November unfolds, each of these celestial events offers sky enthusiasts a reason to look up and witness the cosmic wonders unfolding above.
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