courtesy of American Meteor Society
During the month of November, stargazers will have the chance to catch three meteor showers and other lunar and planetary viewings in the night skies.
Several cosmic events are happening during November 2017 as the South Taurid meteor shower occurs during the first few weeks of the month and the North Taurid and North Leonids during the latter half of the month. We will also have the chance to see a close encounter of planets Venus and Jupiter on November 13 while a crescent moon will hang just above Saturn on November 20, and Mars will shine a bright orange beside the blue star Spica on November 29.
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South Taurid Meteor Shower | Until November 20
Those who do not have binoculars or a telescope of some kind will only need clears skies and blankets to view this month’s meteor showers. The Taurus constellation is the spot in the sky where the South Taurid meteor will occur until November 20. It is known to produce bright fireballs.
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North Taurid Meteor Shower | Until November 30
The North Taurid meteor showers peak on November 12 and can be viewed between midnight and sunrise. The best way to see this phenomenon is to look near the Taurus Constellation. If the weather is bad, you can still watch the North Taurids until the end of the month. Generally, the North Taurids produce six or more shooting stars per hour, as well as bright meteor fireballs.
North Leonid Meteor Shower | Until November 30
Also peaking during mid-month on November 16-17, the North Leonid meteor shower will provide views of 10-20 shooting stars per hour, near the Leo constellation -- make sure you're in proper viewing areas, so outside of urban cities. The Leonids are this month's biggest and brightest showers, and will be visible until November 30.
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How to Watch
While meteor showers can be viewed with the naked eye, lunar and planetary cosmic events generally require a pair of binoculars, telescope or both, and are most visible just before and after dawn. Stargazers who wish to view lunar and planetary events should set their alarms for just an hour before sunrise. If you want to learn more on viewing cosmic events,
click here.
Will you be checking out the meteor showers? Let us know in the comments below!