November starts with a new moon, which is the perfect time to photograph deep sky objects. While the spectacular comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas begins to fade this month, there are some meteor showers and conjunctions to look forward too!
Moon phases
New Moon | First Quarter Moon | Full Moon (Super Moon) | Last Quarter Moon |
1 November | 9 November | 16 November | 23 November |
A new moon is the first lunar phase, when the Moon and Sun have the same ecliptic longitude. The Moon is aligned with the Sun and the Earth, and the side of the Moon that faces Earth is in darkness. The new Moon is not visible to the naked eye, as it is too close to the Sun’s glare or below the horizon during the day. | At first quarter, one-half of the Waxing Moon appears to be illuminated by the Sun's light, while the other half is in shadow. This is because the Moon is at a 90-degree angle to the Earth and Sun. | During a Full Moon, the Moon's surface is completely illuminated by the Sun. This happens because the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, and they are aligned in a straight line. This Beaver Moon is a supermoon, appearing about 7% larger and 13% brighter than an average full moon. Look for the moon rising near the Pleiades and Hyades clusters in Taurus, an opportunity for close-up lunar photography | At last quarter, one-half of the Waning Moon appears to be illuminated by the Sun's light, while the other half is in shadow. |
Notable Night Sky Events for November
4 November: Crescent Moon and Venus Conjunction
Time: Starting just after sunset, look southwest around 08:16 UTC (18:16 AEST).
Venus will be visible close to a slim crescent moon, both in Ophiuchus. Venus, appearing particularly bright this month, will set about three hours after sunset by month’s end. This conjunction offers a striking view, especially through binoculars or a low-power telescope.
5 November: The Southern Taurids Peaks (again!)
Time: Best viewed from midnight.
The Southern Taurid meteor shower is active each year from September 10 to November 20. They are known for their slower, steady pace and occasional bright fireballs. While it had an early peak in October, the Taurids are still active and visible from both hemispheres. The meteors radiate from the constellation Taurus, close to the Pleiades cluster, making it easy to locate where they’ll appear in the sky. During the peak, you can expect to see up to 10 meteors per hour. They can be viewed all night long.
9 November: C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-Atlas) fades away
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) has been quite a spectacle in the sky since October. Though it’s starting to fade, it should still be visible through binoculars until around 9 November. If you have a telescope, you might be able to observe it until early January.
11 November: Moon Near Saturn
Time: From sunset until 2:30 AM. The occultation starts 3:32 UTC.
The Moon will be near Saturn, creating a striking visual in the evening sky.
This is also a lunar occultation of Saturn, visible from Central Asia, Northern India, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe During this rare event, the Moon will move in front of Saturn, temporarily obscuring it from view. It’s a fantastic opportunity for both stargazers and astrophotographers alike.
12 November: The Northern Taurids Peak
Time: Best viewed from 2:00 AM AEST, after the Moon sets.
On November 12, 2024, the Northern Taurids meteor shower will reach its peak. For the best viewing experience, head outside around 2:00 AM AEST. At this time, the radiant point in the constellation Taurus will be high in the sky, offering optimal conditions. While the moon will be about 84% illuminated, potentially outshining some of the fainter meteors, you can still expect to catch some bright fireballs, as the Taurids are known for their spectacularly bright meteors.
16 November: Full Beaver Moon (Supermoon)
Time: All night (UTC: All night) Peak illumination occurs (UTC: 15 November 9:29 PM).
The Moon will be at its closest approach to Earth, appearing larger and brighter. Ideal for night photography and moon gazing. Moon rise and set times can vary depending on your location.
17-18 November: Moon near Jupiter
Time: 10:00 PM until Dawn
On the evening of 17 November into the early morning hours of 18 November, the Moon, with its bright illumination, will sit near Jupiter, which will shine brightly as one of the most prominent planets in the sky. This pairing provides a great opportunity for stargazing, whether with the naked eye, binoculars, or a small telescope.
17-18 November: Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks
Time: Midnight until dawn.
The Leonid meteor shower will peak in Australia on the nights of 17-18 November 2024. The best time to watch is between midnight and dawn when the radiant point in the constellation Leo is higher in the sky. Expect around 15 meteors per hour.
For optimal viewing, find a spot away from city lights to reduce light pollution, such as rural areas or national parks. Bring a blanket or a comfortable chair, insect repellent, and some snacks as meteor watching can involve a lot of waiting. Unfortunately, the viewing conditions this year will be affected by a waning gibbous moon, which will be quite bright and may wash out some of the fainter meteors. Give your eyes about 15-20 minutes to adjust to the darkness for the best experience.
20-21 November: Conjunction of Mars and the Moon
Time: From 11:00 PM AEST until Dawn (1:00 PM to 6:45 PM UTC)
On 20 November, the Moon and Mars will align closely in the constellation Gemini. This dazzling duo will be easily visible to the naked eye and through binoculars. The Moon will shine brilliantly, while Mars will have a noticeable reddish hue. In Brisbane, look towards the eastern horizon after midnight.
Planetary Observations for November 2024
Venus: You can spot Venus in the western sky after sunset, and it will gradually move westward as the month goes on. It will be in the constellation Sagittarius. Fun fact: Venus is often called Earth’s “sister planet” because of their similar size and composition.
Mars: Look for Mars in the north-eastern sky before dawn, and it will shift to the northern sky throughout November. It will be in the constellation Cancer. Did you know that Mars has the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons, which is about 13.6 miles high?
Jupiter: Jupiter is in the northern sky moving to the west later in the month. It will be in the constellation Taurus. Interesting tidbit: Jupiter has a whopping 79 moons, with Ganymede being the largest moon in the solar system.
Saturn: Initially visible in the northern sky after sunset, Saturn will move westward. It will be in the constellation Aquarius. Fun fact: Saturn’s rings are made mostly of ice particles, with some rock and dust.
Uranus: Uranus reaches opposition on 17 November, making it visible all night. It’s best observed with a large telescope and will be in the constellation Taurus. Did you know Uranus rotates on its side, making its axial tilt about 98 degrees?
Mercury: Mercury will be visible in the western sky after sunset, reaching its greatest eastern elongation on 16 November, making it easier to spot. It will be in the constellation Ophiuchus. Fun fact: Mercury has the most extreme temperature fluctuations in the solar system, ranging from -173°C at night to 427°C during the day.
Best Astrophotography Targets this Month
Orion Nebula (M42): A bright and colorful nebula in the constellation Orion.
Horsehead Nebula (B33): A striking dark nebula in the constellation Orion.
Flame Nebula (NGC 2024): An emission nebula in Orion, offering stunning contrast.
Pleiades Star Cluster (M45): Located in Taurus, perfect for wide-field shots.
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