WASHINGTON – This November, North Florida offers a front-row seat to some truly spectacular astronomical events. Mark your calendars and prepare for a month filled with shooting stars and stunning celestial alignments!
With long, dark evenings ahead, now is the perfect time to grab your telescope or simply lay back on a blanket and soak in the celestial wonders.
The Northern Taurids peaks on Nov. 12, but the show may be more obstructed by moonlight since the moon will be 79% full.
Northern Taurids
The Southern and Northern Taurids will peak in the first half of November, providing a unique chance to see meteors over an extended period. Unlike typical meteor showers that last just one or two nights, these showers are active for several days. During this time, you can expect to see about five meteors per hour, with the occasional spectacular fireball lighting up the sky, according to the American Meteor Society.
Leonids Meteor Shower
The highlight of the month will occur on the night of Sunday, November 17, into the morning of Monday, November 18, when the Leonids meteor shower reaches its peak. While this year’s display is anticipated to be more subdued—around 15 to 20 meteors per hour—this shower is famous for its potential to produce meteor storms in years past. Don’t miss the chance to catch these streaks of light as they paint the night sky!
How to view a meteor shower
Meteor showers are usually most visible between midnight and pre-dawn hours.
It’s easier to see shooting stars under dark skies, away from city lights. Meteor showers also appear brightest on cloudless nights when the moon wanes smallest.
And your eyes will be better adapted to seeing meteors if you aren’t checking your phone.
When is the next meteor shower?
Not long after the Taurids, the next big meteor shower, the Leonids, will peak on the early morning of Nov. 17.
A Stunning Celestial Alignment
Just one day after the Leonids peak, an enchanting alignment will take place on November 18 at around 10 p.m. Look to the eastern horizon, where the nearly full moon will shine brightly between the planets Jupiter and Mars. This sight promises to be a breathtaking scene, especially with the iconic constellation Orion visible to the right of the celestial trio.
The fun continues on November 19, when the moon will appear even closer to Mars, leading up to a close encounter on November 20.
Final Supermoon of 2024: A Unique Viewing Experience?
November also features the final supermoon of the year, rising on Friday, November 15.
This is the 4th supermoon in a row and it is called the Beaver Moon. When you spot it look for Jupiter which will lie next to it.
While this supermoon will appear slightly larger and brighter than usual, it’s worth noting that supermoons have become a regular event lately, with one happening each month since August. The moon’s orbit naturally brings it closer to Earth on a monthly basis, leading to these “super” appearances.
Because of this frequency, some might wonder if supermoons are really that special. Indeed, the term “supermoon” refers to any full moon that occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest point to Earth (perigee), which can make it seem less extraordinary.
However, this particular supermoon—known as the Beaver Moon—does carry its own unique charm, especially in conjunction with the spectacular celestial alignment with Jupiter and Mars.