Calling all stargazers! This weekend, the sky will be adorned with two remarkable wonders: the final supermoon of the year and the Leonid meteor shower. These cosmic events promise to captivate the eyes and imaginations of anyone lucky enough to catch them.In the spotlight this weekend is what’s known as the Beaver Moon, taking place on November 15. This full moon, named after the time when beavers prepare for winter, will peak just after 10 PM BST (4 PM EST) and appears significantly larger and brighter than usual. "Supermoons happen when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, called perigee, during its full phase. It can look up to 30% larger than the typical full moon," explains Dixie Burns, Madison College astronomy instructor. This magical moment only happens when the moon's elliptical orbit brings it near our planet, making this night special for those who enjoy night-sky watching.
But there's more to enjoy than just the full moon. Just as the Beaver Moon enlightens the sky, the Leonid meteor shower will be peaking, promising shooting stars for those lucky enough to find themselves under the stars. The meteor shower started on November 3 and is predicted to reach its peak on the night of November 17, dancing across the sky with colorful flashes. Known for their high-speed brilliance, Leonid meteors can race through the atmosphere at speeds of up to 70 kilometers per second (about 44 miles per second), which might ignite dreams of spotting shooting stars.
While stargazers typically see about 15 meteors per hour during this shower under ideal conditions, this year’s spectacular will be challenged by the near-full Beaver Moon's brightness. Observers might only catch around five meteors per hour if cloud cover and city light pollution cooperate. To improve their chances, nearby residents are advised to seek out darker locations, turning their gaze away from the moon to focus on the emptier expanses of sky.
“Look for meteors at the lowest point of the horizon and as the night grows darker, the more likely you are to see shooting stars,” said Shyam Balaji from King’s College London. “After midnight hours are typically best.” This year's peak activity happens when the moon shines bright at 98 percent fullness, creating tough viewing conditions for the fainter meteors.
What makes the Leonid meteor shower unique is its origin. It stems from the debris of comet Tempel-Tuttle, which orbits the sun every 33 years. Each year, when Earth's orbit intersects the tail of this comet, particles enter our atmosphere, generating the gorgeous spectacle we associate with meteor showers. During meteor showers, one might just glimpse the end tails of these space rocks as they streak across the heavens.
Meanwhile, aside from the Leonids and the Beaver Moon, other planets like Venus and Jupiter are more visible during this time of year. Venus, known for being the "Morning Star," often appears stunningly bright before sunrise, serving as another celestial guide for eager observers. The planets Jupiter and Saturn will also be noticeable, providing nature lovers with countless reasons to step outside.
The pattern of these celestial events has captured the hearts of night sky enthusiasts, providing wonder and awe at the vast expanse above them. Though the Leonid meteor shower won’t be as flashy this year due to the brilliant moon, savvy skywatchers who are patient enough may find unexpected delight.
Whether it’s the Beaver Moon or some fleeting meteors, this weekend is set to be a visual feast for the eyes. So gather family and friends, grab some blankets, and prepare to marvel at the beauty of the universe right above us. Soon, the shimmering stars will remind everyone why they fall for the sky. Happy stargazing!
