Astrophotography Highlights for November 2024: Unmissable Celestial Events Await!

As we approach the end of 2024, astrophotographers have a plethora of thrilling celestial occurrences to capture in November. With the year’s final “supermoon,” three meteor showers, and stunning views of Venus near a crescent moon, this month promises to be a paradise for night sky enthusiasts. The longer nights at mid-northern latitudes also increase chances of witnessing the elusive aurora borealis as solar activity peaks toward its maximum.

Mark Your Calendar: Key Astrophotography Dates

November 1: New Moon The month kicks off with a new moon at 12:49 UTC, creating an ideal dark sky for observing deep-space objects or capturing breathtaking astro-landscapes. Enjoy a "dark sky window" for three nights following the New Moon, maximizing your shooting potential.

November 4-6: Crescent Moon and Venus After sunset, turn your gaze southwest to witness a slender crescent moon gliding close to Venus, the luminous "Evening Star." The moon will display a mere 10% illumination on November 4 and will progressively move above Venus over the following nights—an enchanting sight not to be missed!

November 4-5 & 11-12: Taurid Meteor Showers These related meteor showers peak, with the Southern Taurids offering up to five meteors per hour on moonless nights. The Northern Taurids, however, may be difficult to witness due to bright moonlight, so plan accordingly to make the most of these shooting stars.

November 10: Moon and Saturn While Saturn was at its brightest during September, it remains a spectacular subject for photography. Position yourself to capture this gas giant alongside a 69%-lit waxing gibbous moon, providing a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable shot of Saturn’s stunning rings.

November 15: Full ‘Supermoon’ Get ready for a spectacle! November’s full moon, known as the “Beaver Moon,” is the last of the year’s four supermoons. Watch as it rises in the east shortly after sunset—a breathtaking scene for photographers. Make sure to find a great spot with an unobstructed view low on the horizon.

November 16: Uranus at Opposition Mark this date for high-end astrophotography! Uranus reaches opposition, making it the closest to Earth this year at just 2.6 light-years away. Though it’s faintly visible to the naked eye, employing a telescope and a high-speed digital video camera will help you capture stunning details.

November 17-18: Leonid Meteor Shower Despite the Leonids traditionally being a favorite, this year’s full moon may hinder visibility with only around 15 meteors per hour appearing amidst the brightness.

November 22 - December 4: Extended Dark Sky Window As the Last Quarter Moon rises late, this 10-night stretch of dark skies is perfect for astrophotography, yielding clearer, less obstructed views of the celestial wonders.

November 27: Moon and Spica Early risers can witness a beautiful conjunction between a 13%-lit crescent moon and the star Spica in Virgo just before sunrise—yet another magical moment for astrophotographers!

Astrophotography Highlight: The Andromeda Galaxy

Capture one of the northern hemisphere’s most magnificent sights—the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). As the closest major galaxy to the Milky Way, it is packed with over half a trillion stars and located about 2.5 million light-years away. A simple setup using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a 30-second exposure can yield impressive results, particularly when avoiding light pollution.

With so many captivating celestial events packed into November, enthusiasts and professional astrophotographers alike will find endless opportunities to create breathtaking imagery of the night sky. Grab your cameras, plan your nights, and prepare for an unforgettable month of stargazing!