November Skywatching Highlights

Get ready to gaze at the night sky this November, as NASA has unveiled its monthly skywatching tips, featuring a lineup of celestial wonders, including a rare lunar occultation that you won't want to miss!

Throughout November, several prominent planets will grace our skies, making it an ideal time for amateur astronomers and stargazers alike. Saturn will be particularly noteworthy, visible in the southern sky during the evening hours. On November 10, Saturn will have a stunning conjunction with the moon, appearing to hug the lunar surface. If you check the sky around midnight, you’ll notice the moon has shifted a couple of degrees west of Saturn—an incredible demonstration of the moon's swift movement across the heavens within just a few hours!

Jupiter will be another spectacular sight, rising in the east early in the evening and dancing alongside the radiant stars of Taurus and Orion. By the end of the month, Jupiter will be rising just as twilight descends, while the vibrant orange glow of Mars will join the party a few hours later, ensuring that early risers are treated to a delightful view of Mars high in the sky just before dawn.

Don't forget to keep an eye out for the dazzling Venus, which will grace the southwestern sky in the evenings post-sunset throughout November. Its brightness adds a spectacular touch to the celestial canvas!

Mark Your Calendars for the Lunar Occultation!

A highlight of the month occurs just hours before dawn on November 27, when skywatchers in the eastern half of the U.S. and parts of Canada can observe an extraordinary lunar occultation. During this event, the moon will glide in front of the brilliant star Spica, effectively obscuring it momentarily. This intriguing phenomenon occurs when a celestial body, larger and closer to us, blocks the view of a more distant star.

Astrophysicists at NASA explain that this occultation is part of a captivating series that commenced in June and will extend through late next year. As the moon's orbit changes, these wonderful events will happen each month, providing a fabulous opportunity for sky enthusiasts. However, take note: while North America will be favored for this November occurrence, South American viewers will have their chance next April.

For those in the U.S., this is a standout moment—mark it on your calendar, as it will be the last opportunity to witness the moon occult Spica until 2032, when a new series of lunar occultations begins around the world.

As you prepare for your skywatching adventures, remember to seek out locations with minimal light pollution to enhance your viewing experience. Clear skies and a little bit of luck will make this November a memorable month for stargazing. So grab your telescope or binoculars, get outside, and let the wonders of the cosmos inspire you!