Stargazing for November 2023

Jupiter Sighting and Meteors Galore!

Look for Jupiter!

On November 1–2, Jupiter reaches its closest point to Earth. On November 3, Jupiter reaches “opposition.” This means that the planet will be opposite the Sun in our sky, fully illuminated, and shining overhead. This is when the giant planet of Jupiter will appear at its largest and brightest for the year!

Full Beaver Moon

On the morning of November 27, 2023, at 4:16 A.M., the Full Moon will reach its peak. This Moon is known as the “Beaver” Moon because this is the time of year when beavers begin to take shelter in their lodges, having laid up sufficient food stores for the long winter ahead.

Learn more about the Beaver Moon.

Two Meteor Showers This Month

Keep an eye out for these two meteor showers! 

  1. The Taurid meteors appear in the late evening of Friday, November 11-12. They are are a small meteor shower, producing only about 3 meteors per hour that night. Though few in number, they are known to be exceptionally bright.
  2. Then the Leonids peak November 18–19. This meteor shower has about 10 to 15 meteors per hour after midnight. If you are watching for shooting stars, look toward the part of the night sky furthest away from the Moon.