November’s Night Sky Brings Meteor Showers, Fireballs and a Supermoon

The November astronomical calendar will feature a trio of meteor showers lighting up the night sky. November will also feature the first supermoon of the year when the Beaver Moon rises late in the month. Here is a look at what you should mark on your calendar for the weeks ahead.

Pair of Taurid Meteor Showers - First Half of November

A pair of Taurid meteor showers will streak across the sky during the first part of the month. The overlapping meteor showers will unfold during the first two weeks of November, resulting in a steady parade of shooting stars. Both the Southern Taurids and the Northern Taurids are drawn-out events, in contrast to most meteor showers that have a definitive peak night or two.

While the Taurids will shine for a few weeks, they typically only produce about five meteors per hour. However, the longevity of these two showers means that stargazers can pick a night with clear conditions to maximize their viewing.

The Taurids are also distinguished by their ability to produce a higher volume of fireballs compared to other meteor showers. This means that the meteors that appear may end up appearing brighter than normal.

As with all meteor showers, you will increase your count if you head away from light pollution to view the show. Be sure to give your eyes time to adjust to the dark before training them up toward the sky.

Leonid Meteor Shower - November 16 and 17

Just as the Northern Taurids and Southern Taurids are starting to wind down, the Leonid meteor shower will reach its peak on November 16 and 17. Most Leonid showers produce up to 15 meteors every hour.

According to the American Meteor Society (AMS), “The Leonids are best known for producing meteor storms in 1833, 1866, 1966, 1999, 2001 and 2002. These outbursts are best seen when the parent object, comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, is near perihelion."

Those record-breaking meteor storms generated thousands of shooting stars per hour. Although it is not likely this year, there is a chance that some lingering Taurid meteors could amplify the peak of the Leonids.

First Supermoon of 2026 - November 24

The first supermoon of the year will rise on Tuesday, November 24. Not only is the Beaver Moon the last full moon of the fall, but it is also the first of three consecutive supermoons.

According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, this moon gets its name from the time of the year when beavers start their annual migration to their lodges for the winter. Other names associated with the November full moon are the Frost Moon, the Deer Rutting Moon, and the Freezing Moon.

Because the Beaver Moon is also a supermoon, it will appear slightly bigger and brighter than usual. The next supermoon will rise in December, followed by another in January to complete the trifecta.

Be sure to check back with us for your local forecast in the days leading up to these events if you plan on heading outside to check out the natural wonders. You will want to dress for the conditions, as this is the time of year when temperatures drop sharply after the sun goes down.

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