November 2026 Skywatching: Meteors, Planets and a Full Moon

November is a good month to look up. The nights are long and, once the sky is fully dark, plenty of stars become visible, which makes it easier to spot both meteors and the planets that share the evening and morning sky.

Meteors are the month's main draw. The Leonids are typically at their peak in mid-November, and the Taurids, a slower shower, stay active through much of the month. Meteor showers are best viewed from a dark location, ideally with a wide view of the sky. Lie back, give your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust, and avoid looking at your phone, since its light will wash out faint streaks.

Planets are the second highlight. Which ones are visible, and when they rise and set, depends on where you live and the time of night. A simple sky-chart app or a printed star map will show exactly where to look, and planets generally look like steady points of light rather than twinkling stars.

The full moon in November is traditionally called the Beaver Moon. Its glare can drown out fainter meteors and stars, so you may want to plan meteor watching for the nights either side of it. The moon is also an easy target for binoculars or a small telescope.

For the most reliable results, check the exact peak times and visibility for your location before you head out, and dress warmly. Even in late autumn, sitting still outdoors for an hour gets cold quickly.