11-06-2023 10:43am

November Will Be a Great Month for Skygazing with Multiple Meteor Showers and a Full Beaver Moon

Nate Weeks Editor

The Moon is captivating even when it isn't completely in its Full Moon phase (Image taken from the International Space Station courtesy of NASA)

This month, those who love watching the skies at night will be delighted with multiple meteor showers, a "dance" featuring the Moon and Venus, and a full Beaver Moon. The following celestial events are expected to make the night skies even more captivating than usual this November.

Southern Taurids Meteor Shower

November 5th and 6th: The first meteor shower in November is expected to be most visible around November 5th and 6th. The Taurids meteor showers don't necessarily have a "peak" though but they are usually most able to be seen in late October and into early November. Skywatchers may see as many as 5 meteors per hour, with fireballs also possible, according to EarthSky.

Moon and Venus Conjunction

November 9th: Venus is the second closest planet to the Sun and it is either known as the "morning star" or the "evening star", depending on where it is located at the time. The planet can usually be shining bright in the sky and on November 9th it will be particularly bright. Starting a bit before 3 a.m. on the 9th, Venus will move upwards and, for some viewers (especially in other parts of the world like Canada and the Middle East) the Moon will block the view of Venus as it passes in front of it.

Northern Taurids Meteor Shower

November 11 through 13th: The Northern Taurids meteor shower is predicted to be most visible in the night sky from November 11th through the 13th, especially near midnight as the Moon won't be as bright around that time. When the Moon is bright, it effects skywatchers' ability to see other objects like meteors, so try to plan your viewing of the night sky when either the Moon's phase is closer to the New Moon phase (when it is not visible) or when it is not located high in the sky.

Leonids Meteor Shower

November 18th: The Leonids Meteor Shower is predicted to have the most meteors visible around November 18th. On this night, the moon's light shouldn't be an issue and the meteors will be best be viewed late at night and into the early morning hours of November 18th.

Full Beaver Moon

November 27th: The Full Beaver Moon should be at its brightest at about 15 minutes after 4 a.m. on the 27th. November's full Moon is named the Full Beaver Moon due to the fact that beavers are said to be most active building their winter dams at this time of the year.

Skygazers have a lot to look forward to in the month of November. If you are planning on watching any of the celestial shows this month, remember to find a place far from bright city lights and get ready to be awestruck by the immensity of space, its sparkling stars and meteors, and its enormous planets.