2024 is coming to a close, but the sky still has much to offer this year. November has three well-known meteor showers. However, one offers the best odds for shooting stars. Additionally, November will host the last Supermoon of 2024.

November will feature the peak of three meteor showers

Southern Taurid Meteor Shower 

While the Southern Taurid Meteor Shower runs from September to December, it peaks November 4-5, according to the American Meteor Society. Out of the three showers this month, the Southern Taurid offers the best odds of shooting stars. Because it’s such a shower filled with fireballs, there are more chances of bright and colorful meteors. However, Travel and Leisure say this is a milder shower. It’s visible near the Taurus constellation, hence the name Southern Taurid, with up to 10 meteors per hour in a dark-sky location. You can spot the shower from practically everywhere besides the South Pole.

Northern Taurid Meteor Shower

That’s correct; the Northern and Southern Meteor Showers coincide this year. However, the Northern shower peaks November 11-12. This event could generate up to five meteors an hour in a dark-sky area. Unfortunately, a bright, 79 percent full moon will wash out almost every shooting star besides the most luminous ones.

Leonid Meteor Shower

During its peak and with perfect conditions, the Leonid Meteor Shower can boast up to 10-15 meteors per hour. Sadly, that won’t happen during this year’s peak on November 17-18. Like the Northern Taurid shower, the full moon will outshine most shooting stars. The shooting star even occurs just days after the full moon. and will wash out a lot of the shower’s activity. However, it’s still worth a shot to head out to a dark-sky location and look towards the constellation Leo when it rises in the east-southeast sky after midnight.

Full Beaver Supermoon

November’s Full Beaver Moon will be the last supermoon until October 2025

Last but not least is the ending to a string of bright supermoons. In fact, this is the last supermoon until October 2025. This makes the Full Beaver Supermoon on November 15 a must-see event. According to the Famer’s Almanac, the supermoon’s name comes from the time of year beavers start to shelter. It will rise above the northeast horizon right around sunset.

 

Explore Tomorrow's World From Your Inbox

Get the latest science, technology, and sustainability news delivered to your inbox every week.

I understand that by providing my email address, I agree to receive emails from Tomorrow's World Today. I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time.