November offers a busy schedule for skywatchers, with earlier sunsets after daylight saving time ends on Nov. 1. Across the month, all of the planets are visible at some point, although Mercury and Venus are more challenging because they remain close to the sun.

Mercury becomes easier to spot before sunrise after reaching western elongation on Nov. 20. Venus is visible in the morning and improves toward the end of the month. Mars rises after midnight early in November and earlier as the weeks pass, while Jupiter remains near Mars throughout the month. Regulus joins the pair to create a naked-eye trio.

Saturn is visible all night, appearing in the eastern sky after sunset, although binoculars or a telescope are needed to see its rings clearly. Neptune remains close to Saturn and also requires optical aid. Uranus reaches opposition on Nov. 25, offering the best viewing opportunity of the month, particularly with binoculars or a telescope.

On Nov. 2 and 3, the Moon passes close to Mars, Jupiter and Regulus. The four objects will be easy to locate without equipment, with the moon shifting position between the two nights. A second gathering takes place on Nov. 30, when the moon again appears near Mars, Jupiter and Regulus. Algieba, the second-brightest star in Leo, may also be visible nearby.

The Southern Taurids peak during the evening of Nov. 4 and the morning of Nov. 5. The shower produces roughly five meteors per hour but is known for occasional bright fireballs. The moon will be 22% illuminated, creating relatively favorable viewing conditions. Observers should seek dark skies and look toward Taurus, where the meteors appear to originate.

The new moon arrives on Nov. 9, creating November’s darkest night and favorable conditions for stargazing and night-sky photography. The date also coincides with Carl Sagan Day, an unofficial observance honoring the astronomer.

The Northern Taurids reach their peak on Nov. 11 and 12. Like the Southern Taurids, they are expected to produce about five meteors per hour and can generate fireballs. The moon will be only 5% illuminated on Nov. 11, providing even darker skies. Both Taurid showers are associated with comet 2P/Encke.

A four-planet alignment begins around Nov. 14 and continues until approximately Nov. 25, depending on location. Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter will appear together before sunrise, with Mars and Jupiter especially close. Mercury will be the most difficult to catch because it remains visible for only about 30 minutes before the sun follows it above the eastern horizon. Nov. 20 is expected to offer the best opportunity, when Mercury reaches western elongation.

The Leonids peak during the evening of Nov. 16 and the morning of Nov. 17. They can produce about 15 meteors per hour under ideal conditions and appear to come from Leo, near Mars and Jupiter. However, Leo does not rise until around midnight, and the 41%-illuminated moon will obscure some of the fainter meteors. Although the Leonids have produced major meteor storms in the past, such an event is not expected in 2026.

November’s Beaver Moon reaches peak illumination on Nov. 24 at 9:53 a.m. ET. It is also a supermoon, the first in a sequence of four that will extend through the end of 2026 and into 2027. Because the moon will be close to perigee, it should appear about 7% larger than an average Full moon and noticeably brighter. The best viewing opportunities will be the evening of Nov. 23 or Nov. 24, since the peak occurs after sunrise for much of the United States.

Throughout the month, prominent constellations include Taurus, Pegasus, Capricornus, Aquila, Pisces and Aries. The Pleiades, the Great Square of Pegasus and the Circlet of Pisces are among the asterisms worth seeking out. The Summer Triangle remains visible, while the Winter Triangle becomes easier to see as it rises earlier in the evening. A sky map or astronomy tool such as Stellarium can help locate the objects.

Sources: CNET.