After an adventurous month that saw a test of planetary self-defense, amazing details of the pillars of creation, a partial solar eclipse, the discovery of superradiators among several celestial magics, another month of magical celestial delights awaits the November sky. This month we have a total lunar eclipse, the Leonid meteor shower, a glimpse of Uranus, the moon under Saturn and many other astronomical events. US space agency NASA has shared an action plan and skywatching tips to complete the experience
There are plenty of reasons to watch the skies in November: a total lunar eclipse, the Leonid meteors, and a chance to see Mars, Saturn, and the star Spica! Check out the best times to observe these celestial bodies— NASA (@NASA) November 2, 2022
1. For people who are fascinated by meteor showers, November gets all their attention. NASA said the annual Leonid meteor shower will be active throughout the month. The phenomenon will peak after midnight on November 18, with up to 15-20 meteors per hour expected under optimal conditions.
2. With the full moon to be seen on November 8, a total lunar eclipse will be visible in the early morning hours of the day. The eclipse will be visible in North America, the Pacific, Australia and East Asia – anywhere the Moon is above the horizon during the eclipse.
3. The lunar eclipse comes with a treat as NASA said many stars will twinkle in the sky as the full moon will be dimmed to a dull red that day. But it gets better because viewers with binoculars can also catch a glimpse of the ice giant planet Uranus.
4. On November 11, the Moon will be located between Mars and the bright blue-white star Elnath, which is the second brightest star in the constellation Taurus. It might be a good time to update the constellation guide maps to prepare for this event.
5. NASA also said that on November 20, in the hours before sunrise, a crescent moon will be visible hanging over the bluish star Spica. The giant star Spica is an astonishing 10 times the size of the Sun and 12,000 times more luminous, and is 260 light-years away. A fascinating crescent moon will also be visible below Saturn in the south after sunset on November 28.
