November is set to be a month full of spectacular celestial events for sky enthusiasts. NASA has unveiled a sky calendar for those who want to witness these moments. So, what can we expect in November? The month will be packed with exciting events, including the viewing of Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, a beautiful crescent moon, and the Leonid meteor shower. Sky enthusiasts have a chance to make the most of these unforgettable moments.
NASA has good news: There will be a visual sky spectacle in November! First of all, you will be able to easily spot the brightly illuminated Jupiter throughout the night if the clear skies permit. Just before dawn, when Venus is rising, Jupiter is setting. So, if you rise before dawn, you will have a clear view of both planets on opposite sides of the sky.
Sky lovers, mark your calendars for November 9. The day will start with a stunning visual spectacle. Be sure to wake up early, just before sunrise, to witness the marvelous crescent moon hanging just below Venus in the sky.
A week later, on November 17, another spectacle awaits space enthusiasts. After sunset, during twilight, you can see a crescent moon hanging low in the southwestern sky. NASA explains, ‘The phenomenon that makes the rising or setting moon appear larger is called the moon illusion. A low-hanging crescent moon often appears extra enchanting.’
On November 20, after sunset, you can catch a glimpse of Saturn, the planet famous for its rings. Look to the south to see Saturn right above a quarter moon in the place where the bright fixed double stars of Fomalhaut and Altair meet. There, you can spot Saturn. Four days later, right after sunset, you will see Jupiter’s full moon.
As November comes to an end, in the mornings, you can watch Venus rising along with the nearby bright Spica star.
The annual Leonid meteor shower will occur in November. The shower, made up of dust particles from the Tempel-Tuttle comet, will peak on the night of November 17. The most meteors can be seen between midnight on November 18 and dawn.
NASA advises, ‘Leonids tend to be bright. Most produce long trains that can last for several seconds after the initial burst of light. Find a safe, dark spot away from bright lights and lie down for the best view. Then look up.
