# November Celestial Events: Planetary Alignments and Supermoon Guide A comprehensive schedule of November's major astronomical phenomena for stargazing enthusiasts. - **Source:** [Popular Science](https://brifing.si/source/cc3d313a-759c-4802-b881-fc8585f35ef9) - **Published:** 2026-10-31 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/cecf7d1a-168c-42c2-b824-7d03346b8232 ## November Planetary Alignment Throughout November, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter remain visible in the eastern morning sky. Mercury joins this group mid-month, appearing low in the southeast just before sunrise. These four planets create a rare alignment, though Mercury remains difficult to spot due to its proximity to the sun's morning haze and horizon glare. ## Mars and Jupiter Conjunction On November 16, Mars and Jupiter reach a conjunction point in the eastern sky. The two planets appear to move closer together throughout the month, culminating in a waltz-like alignment near the star Regulus. Observers should prioritize safety by concluding their viewing sessions before the sun rises to avoid potential eye damage. ## Leonids Meteor Shower Peak The Leonids meteor shower reaches its predicted peak on November 18, with a radiant point located within the Leo constellation. While the shower typically produces 10 to 15 meteors per hour, historical data from 1966 shows the potential for explosive activity. Observers should monitor the sky closely for unexpected increases in celestial pyrotechnics. ## Beaver Supermoon Details The Full Beaver Supermoon occurs on November 24, marking the first of three consecutive supermoon events. Peak illumination is calculated at 9:50 a.m. EST, though the moon will appear brightest on the evenings of November 23 and 24. The name reflects North American seasonal traditions regarding animal behavior during the late autumn. ## Comet 161P/Hartley–IRAS Perihelion Comet 161P/Hartley–IRAS reaches perihelion on November 27, marking its closest approach to the sun. With a magnitude of approximately 12, the comet requires specialized equipment for observation. Experts recommend using a telescope with at least a 7.8-inch aperture to view the object positioned in the east-northeast sky near the horizon. ## Optimal Stargazing Conditions Successful observation of these events requires minimizing exposure to light pollution. Observers should allow their eyes sufficient time to adjust to darkness before attempting to locate fainter objects like the comet. Reviewing specific stargazing techniques and equipment requirements is essential for capturing the best views of these various celestial phenomena throughout November. ## Cultural Naming Traditions The November full moon carries diverse names across various Indigenous nations, reflecting specific ecological observations. The Tlingit refer to it as the Digging Moon, while the Algonquin call it the Whitefish Moon. The Dakota and Lakota nations identify this period as the Deer Rutting Moon, highlighting the seasonal shifts observed in nature. ## Astronomical Event Significance November offers a dense schedule of celestial activity, ranging from planetary conjunctions to rare comet approaches. These events provide unique opportunities for both amateur and experienced observers to track solar system dynamics. By understanding the timing and visibility of these phenomena, enthusiasts can effectively plan their observations to witness these distinct cosmic occurrences. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.popsci.com/science/skygazing-guide-november-2026/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._