November is shaping up to be one of the most memorable months for sky-watchers in the Northern Hemisphere. First up, on November 5, we’ll see the year’s largest and brightest full moon. It is sometimes called the Hunter’s or Beaver Moon. It appears noticeably larger because the Moon is at its closest point to Earth (perigee).

Around the same time, two meteor showers will be active: the Southern Taurids, which peak in early November and are known for slow-moving fireball meteors, and the Northern Taurids, peaking about a week later. These meteors originate from the debris trail of Comet Encke and offer a rare chance to see bright, dramatic streaks, even though the total count is modest. 

Then, on November 16-17, the classic Leonid Meteor Shower reaches its peak. Under optimal dark-sky conditions you might catch up to 10-15 meteors per hour, and the timing works in your favor this year thanks to minimal moonlight interference. 

November rewards anyone willing to step outside and look up. A bright moon, scattered meteors, and a sky alive with motion make it one of the year’s most captivating months for stargazing.