Stars, planets and just outer space as a whole, seem to dazzle even the non-astronomers. If you consider yourself a stargazer, you’re going to want to pay attention and mark your calendars. The month of November has a plethora of opportunities to catch some celestial events that haven’t occurred in decades.
Starting off this month, you can catch the moon and Mars on November 5th. After sunset on both the 5th and the 6th, you will be able to see the moon and Mars right next to each other. The moon will be in its crescent phase and will situate itself to the right of Mars. The next day it will rise above Mars. So keep your eyes peeled for a reddish-orange glow next to the moon.
For the meteor shower lovers, you’re in for a treat on November 11th. The Taurid Meteor Shower will peak. You will want to look toward the southern sky toward the constellation Taurus, the bull, from which the meteor shower is named. Stargazers could see as many as 10 to 15 shooting stars an hour. Be sure to get away from any city lights, and give your eyes enough time to adjust to the darkness.
The next on the list is the Super moon. This Super Moon is the second of three Super Moons that will occur this year. A super moon happens when the full moon makes a close approach to Earth. This super moon, is a bit different than the past because it will be the largest and closest to Earth since 1948. It will be a sight to see, so get those cameras ready for November 14th!
The next night, November 15th and 16th, keep your eyes to the sky for the Bull’s Eye. The Moon will actually be situated near the eye of the constellation Taurus.
Another meteor shower to behold will occur on November 16th. The Leonoid Meteor Shower will be visible late at night and into the early morning hours of the 17th. You could see 10 to 20 shooting stars an hour. The meteors originate from the constellation Leo, which rises in the east before dawn.
This next one on November 23rd, you’re going to need some binoculars. You will want to look toward the southwest horizon just before sunset and see Mercury and Saturn.
Lastly, just before sunrise on November 25th, look toward the southeast. You’ll see the crescent moon right below Jupiter. Should be a spectacular sight!
Let’s hope for mostly clear skies for the month of November!
