This November, stargazers are gearing up for an exciting cosmic event with not one, but two notable happenings: the Northern Taurid meteor shower and the appearance of the full Beaver Moon, marking the final supermoon of 2024. With bright meteors and larger-than-life lunar views, the nights leading up to mid-November are sure to dazzle spectators worldwide.
The Northern Taurids are predicted to peak on the night of November 11-12, offering skywatchers the chance to see some spectacular “shooting stars.” These meteors, created from debris left behind by Comet Encke, can reach speeds of around 65,000 miles per hour, creating vibrant fireballs as they blaze through the atmosphere. Those hoping to catch glimpses of these celestial gifts won’t need anything more than their eyes, but it helps to find a dark area away from city lights.
To best view the Taurids, experts recommend settling down after midnight on November 11, as the constellation Taurus will be prominently visible. The best locations are open spaces like parks or fields where light pollution is minimal. A little adjustment to the dark can significantly improve visibility, taking about 30 minutes for the eyes to adapt.
This meteor shower might not seem as prolific, producing about five meteors per hour, but it’s known for its bright fireballs, which often shine brighter than Venus. According to NASA, Taurid meteors are distinct since they typically penetrate deep within the atmosphere, creating larger and more visually arresting displays.
Just as the excitement from the Taurid shower begins to fade, the Leonids are set to take center stage right behind it. Peaking on November 16, this shower features jets of “shooting stars,” with predictions of 10 to 15 meteors each hour, especially after midnight. Historically, the Leonids can be thrilling; there have been times when they produced meteor storms with thousands of meteors visible every hour. Much like the Taurids, they are caused by debris from their parent comet, Comet Tempel-Tuttle.
The Leonids will also face challenges for viewers, as their visibility will be compromised due to the brightness of the Beaver Moon on November 15, which reaches its peak illumination just two days earlier. Supermoons occur when the full moon coincides closely with the moon’s perigee or the point where it is nearest to Earth. This month’s Beaver Moon, named for the time beavers start storing food, will appear about 14% larger and up to 30% brighter than average full moons.
The dazzling spectacle of the Beaver Moon will reach its peak at 4:28 PM ET on November 15, alongside the radiant Pleiades star cluster also found within the Taurus constellation. Skywatchers should keep their eyes peeled, not only for the moon but also for the planets. Venus, Mercury, Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter will all be visible, each adding to the starry canvas.
Unfortunately, the bright moonlight will overshadow the dimmer Leonids, making it more challenging to catch these shooting stars. Tips to improve your experience include finding dark locations away from lights and ensuring your eyes have adjusted to the darkness. The combination of the Leonid meteor shower and the Beaver Moon on the same night promises to be unforgettable, even if the meteors are harder to spot.
The cosmic palette doesn’t stop there: this November also offers the opportunity to glimpse Uranus, which reaches opposition on November 16, bringing it closer and making it more visible to the naked eye. For those with telescopes, the greenish-blue hue of Uranus can be spotted alongside the stunning backdrop of other celestial wonders.
Whether it’s the thrill of wishing upon shooting stars or gazing up at the magnificence of the Beaver Moon, the upcoming nights of November are set to captivate and inspire aspiring astronomers and casual skywatchers alike. So grab those blankets, head outside, and be ready to embrace the wonders of the night sky this November!
