November Astronomical Calendar Features Three Major Celestial Events

Posted: November 2, 2023 2:48 pm

Three major astronomical events are on the calendar for November. These events include the season’s last full moon, a stunning meteor shower, and a bright planet making an appearance. While the temperatures are dropping all over the Northern Hemisphere, the longer nights will make it easier to catch these celestial sights after the sun goes down. Here is what you need to know about the November astronomical calendar so that you can plan your stargazing itinerary this month.

Jupiter Opposition – November 3

The bright planet of Jupiter will reach peak opposition on the night of November 3. This means that the planet will appear directly opposite of the sun when looking at it from the perspective of the Earth. This night is also when the planet moves closer to the earth, giving it a brighter and bigger appearance to stargazers.

You will find this planet in the eastern skies just after sunset. As the night progresses, Jupiter will slide over into the southern portion of the skies, eventually setting in the west right around sunrise. Jupiter is so bright and dominant during its phase of opposition that you will be able to easily spot it with the naked eye if your area is enjoying clear skies. In fact, Jupiter will likely be the brightest object in the night sky on this night.

If you are lucky enough to have a telescope or a pair of strong binoculars, you may be able to spot the colorful clouds that encircle the planet. The large moons that orbit around the planet may also be detectable with the help of a telescope.

Keep in mind that November 3 is simply the date of peak opposition. Stargazers will be able to spot the planet at any time during the month if clouds are not obscuring the view.

Leonid Meteor Shower – November 17 and 18

One of the biggest meteor showers of the year will peak on the night of November 17 and into the morning of November 18. The Leonids are set to light up the dark skies on this night, bringing about 15 shooting stars each hour.

While experts are not expecting the Leonids to explode into a bigger shower this year, there is a good chance that the meteors appear brighter against the backdrop of the black sky than they have in previous years. There is also the chance that stargazers will catch the appearance of what astronomers refer to as fireballs on this night. This will happen because the Leonids will overlap with both the Northern Taurid and the Southern Taurid meteor showers. Although this pair of meteor showers are active throughout the month of November, they typically only generate a few shooting stars every hour. However, the combination of all of these showers will translate into an increase in the possibility of fireballs.

Meteor showers get their nicknames from the point in the sky that they seem to radiate. The Leonids are named from the origination point of the constellation Leo the Lion. This year’s show will also coincide with a night free of moonlight, making it easier to spot the shooting stars.

Do not be surprised to catch meteors from this shower before or after the peak date. The meteor shower is technically active between November 3 and December 2. However, these meteors are also known for their fast speed, zipping along at 44 miles per second.

Full Beaver Moon – November 26 and 27

The last full moon of the fall season will rise up over the last weekend of November. As is typical for full moons, the various names of this event reflect the weather of the season. This includes the most common moniker of Beaver Moon, the time of the year when these animals are working hard to prepare for the long and cold winter ahead.

Other nicknames for the November full moon include the Freezing Moon and the Frost Moon. Regardless of how you refer to this moon, it is sure to be a sight to see.

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