Credit By: Travel + Leisure
Prepare for a celestial journey this November as we explore the wonders of the night sky. In this guide, brought to you by Orb Ax, a Science Communicator from the Department of Physics at the University of Guelph, we’ll delve into what the November night sky holds for stargazers, from the young to the young at heart.
Lengthening Nights
As November unfolds, you might initially find the night sky seemingly uneventful, especially following the excitement of last month’s partial solar eclipse. However, the magic of November lies in the gradual increase in darkness. By the end of the month, with the shift to daylight saving time, we will enjoy almost 15 hours of night each day. While unpredictable cloud cover can occasionally hamper our late autumn and early winter stargazing endeavors, there is always room for the possibility of spotting something extraordinary.
Celestial Highlights
November graces us with various opportunities for celestial enchantment. This month’s Star Gazing Guide video delves into these prospects. As autumn constellations grace the vast night canvas, they become easily recognizable, making them accessible to stargazers of all ages. Notably, two planets, Jupiter and Saturn, stand out prominently, appearing immediately after sunset and remaining visible well into the evening. Keep an eye out for the brightest Jupiter of the year on November 3rd and a special event on November 24th when the nearly Full Moon and Jupiter will be side by side throughout the evening.
The Leonid’s Meteor Shower
Meteor showers have a unique allure, although they can be challenging to witness. Late-night stargazing might not be everyone’s preference, and city lights and moonlight often obscure these cosmic spectacles. However, mark your calendars for the evening of November 17th because Leonid’s meteor shower promises a treat. Expect around 15 meteors per hour radiating from the constellation Leo in the East. The moon will set by 8 p.m., offering a dark and favorable backdrop for stargazing, even before the midnight hour strikes. This could be your chance to witness shooting stars streaking across the heavens.
Stargazing isn’t just a way to learn about the cosmos, planets, and stars; it’s also a fantastic opportunity to connect with other curious minds. As we conclude this month’s journey through the November night sky, remember to look up and savor the wonders that the universe has in store for us.
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