As November begins, stargazing enthusiasts are in for a captivating celestial treat, featuring a spectacular lineup of astronomical events. From the succession of three major meteor showers to the stunning appearance of this year’s second-to-last “supermoon,” the night sky promises to be alive with activity throughout the month.
Jackie Faherty, an astronomer at the American Museum of Natural History, notes, “November’s meteor showers are always a favorite among stargazers.”
This month will witness three meteor showers reaching their peak, offering a unique display despite some showers not having a high zenith hourly rate (ZHR). The distinctive brightness and occasional fireball bursts of these meteor showers contribute to their visual allure.
The Southern Taurids meteor shower will peak on the nights of November 4th and 5th, with about five meteors expected to streak across the sky each hour. Although the number of meteors may be less, this particular shower is renowned for its slow speed, high brightness, and prolonged visibility, often resulting in dazzling fireballs.
A new moon coincides with the shower, creating a beautifully dark backdrop for observation. Even in urban areas with heightened light pollution, the bright trails across the night sky can be observed with the naked eye.
The peak of the Northern Taurids meteor shower occurs on the nights of November 12th and 13th, offering a similar spectacle to its southern counterpart. Astronomers suggest that the bright meteors can capture attention instantly, often appearing at the periphery of one’s view without requiring focused gazes in specific directions, especially since moonlight interference will be minimal on these nights.
The final meteor shower of the month is the renowned Leonids, which will peak on the nights of November 17th and 18th. During this time, observers can expect to see approximately 15 meteors per hour. The moon will be about half illuminated, brightening the night sky slightly; thus, stargazers are advised to find locations with reduced light pollution, such as Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn. The best viewing time will be in the early morning hours, from moonset until sunrise.
Additionally, a noteworthy celestial event is set for the nights of November 23rd and 24th: the “supermoon.” At this time, the moon will approach its perigee, the nearest point in its elliptical orbit to Earth. This proximity will increase its visual size by up to 14% and its brightness by approximately 30%.
Supermoons are relatively rare, occurring only about three to five times a year. If you miss this opportunity to witness the phenomenon, the last and brightest supermoon of the year is scheduled to grace the sky on Christmas Eve, December 24th.