The Visible Planets
Mercury is not visible from our latitude this month. However, southern latitude observers will see Mercury reappear along their western horizon after sunset this month.
Venus shines brilliantly in the southeastern sky before sunrise and is seen there all month long. Before sunrise on November 9, look for Venus very near the waning crescent Moon. This makes for a beautiful morning conjunction of these two worlds.
Mars is not visible this month. It will be at conjunction with the Sun on November 18.
Jupiter is at its point of opposition this month on November 2 and will be about 33 light minutes from the Earth on that day. With Jupiter at opposition this month, it will rise in the east at sunset, move across the southern sky through the night, appearing highest at local midnight time, and then set in the west by sunrise. Jupiter continues to be found amongst the stars of the constellation of Aries, the ram. On the night of November 24, look for Jupiter near the waxing gibbous Moon. This is the best month this year to see Jupiter!
Saturn is seen low in the southern sky at sunset this month and is found in the constellation of Aquarius, the water bearer. Saturn sets about 6 hours after sunset along the southwest horizon. Look for Saturn near the Moon on the nights of November 19 and 20.
Moon Phases
November 5 Last Quarter Moon
November 13 New Moon
November 20 First Quarter Moon
November 27 Full Moon (The Beaver Moon)
Special Events
International Space Station (ISS) Observable Passes
During the month of November there will pre-sunrises pass of the ISS from November 1 to 3. After these early morning passes, the ISS will return to early evening passes from November 15 until the end of the month. Check the website http://www.heavens-above.com for exact viewing times for your location.
November 2 Jupiter is at opposition
November 5 South Taurid meteor shower peaks
November 5 Return to Mountain Standard Time (minus 1 hour of time at 2:00 a.m.)
November 9 Carl Sagan Day!
November 12/13 North Taurid meteor shower peaks
November 13 Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) Edmonton Centre meeting
Live in the Zeidler Dome at TELUS World of Science - Edmonton and presented virtually through Zoom.
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 pm
Free for anyone to attend.
See http://www.edmontonrasc.com for more details.
November 17/18 Leonid meteor shower peaks (over evening hours)
Only a zenith hourly rate of 20 meteors per hour.