What’s Up: November 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA

November 2026 brings a variety of celestial events for skywatchers to enjoy. Meteor showers are front and center, with two notable showers to catch.

First, the Southern Taurids peak around November 5th. These meteors originate in the constellation Taurus, and while they don't produce many meteors per hour, around five under ideal conditions, they can sometimes deliver bright fireballs that make the wait worthwhile.

A few days later, on November 12th, the Northern Taurids peak. This shower also generates roughly five meteors per hour at its best, but again, a spectacular fireball can make the effort worthwhile.

The Leonids meteor shower arrives around November 17th and 18th. For the best viewing, try the early morning hours after the Moon sets. If conditions are ideal, up to 15 meteors per hour could be seen. To optimize your experience, seek a dark location, allow your eyes about half an hour to adjust, and take in as much of the sky as possible.

As November progresses, another reason to venture outside early arises on the mornings of the 15th and 16th. Mars and Jupiter will be in close proximity, appearing 1.2 degrees apart before sunrise. This close pairing offers a unique opportunity to observe these two planets together in the predawn sky.