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NASA’s November 2026 skywatching guide lists two Taurid peaks, the Leonid meteor shower, a close apparent pairing of Mars and Jupiter, and a full supermoon on Nov. 24. NASA also says Voyager 1 is expected to reach one light-day from Earth this month; the milestone means a radio signal takes about 24 hours to travel one way.
NASA’s November 2026 skywatching guide highlights the Taurid and Leonid meteor showers, Mars appearing close to Jupiter before sunrise, a full supermoon on Nov. 24 and a milestone for Voyager 1. NASA says the spacecraft is expected to reach one light-day from Earth this month, meaning a light-speed signal takes about 24 hours to reach it.
The guide places the Southern Taurids’ peak around Nov. 5 and the Northern Taurids’ around Nov. 12. Each shower may produce about five meteors per hour under ideal conditions, NASA says, though rates can vary and observers may see fewer. The agency notes that Taurid meteors appear to originate from areas in the constellation Taurus and that occasional bright fireballs can occur.
For the Leonids, NASA recommends the early mornings of Nov. 17 and 18, after the Moon has set. Under ideal viewing conditions, the shower could produce about 15 meteors per hour, but that is not a guaranteed rate. NASA advises choosing a dark location, allowing roughly half an hour for eyes to adjust, and looking across as much of the sky as possible.
On the mornings of Nov. 15 and 16, Mars and Jupiter will appear about 1.2 degrees apart in the southeast before sunrise. NASA describes Jupiter as the brighter point and Mars as reddish; both should be visible without optical aid. The planets only appear close from Earth’s viewpoint and remain far apart in space. The guide also calls Nov. 17 a day to mark Voyager 1’s light-day milestone, and puts the full supermoon on Nov. 24, when the Moon will rise in the east around sunset.
A Month of Several Skywatching Targets
NASA’s schedule gives observers several chances to look up across the month, from meteor activity on separate dates to planets that can be seen with the unaided eye. The guide is useful for planning because the events have different viewing conditions: the Leonids are best before dawn after moonset, while the supermoon is an evening sight near sunset.
The Voyager milestone connects a visible-sky calendar to a distant space mission. At one light-day, a signal takes about 24 hours each way between Earth and the spacecraft, so exchanging a message would take roughly two days round trip before accounting for any other delay. NASA’s Nov. 17 public activation gives the milestone a specific date for participation, though the guide does not describe its full program.
The viewing rates and appearance are conditional, not promises. Meteor counts depend on darkness and other observing conditions, and NASA says the supermoon’s size difference can be subtle. Readers can use the dates as opportunities, while understanding that clouds, local light pollution and the Moon’s position may affect what they see.
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How November’s Events Line Up
The month begins with the Southern Taurids, followed around a week later by the Northern Taurids. Both are named for apparent radiant regions in Taurus, not because the meteors are physically located in that constellation. The Leonids arrive later in the month, with NASA pointing viewers to the hours before dawn on Nov. 17 and 18 after moonset.
The Mars-Jupiter pairing spans two pre-sunrise mornings, Nov. 15 and 16. NASA says the planets will appear about 1.2 degrees apart, a little more than the width of two full Moons side by side. Observers who check on nearby mornings may see their apparent positions change as the planets draw closer and then separate in the sky.
NASA describes the Nov. 24 full Moon as the first of three consecutive supermoons, in November, December and January. A supermoon occurs when a full Moon is near the closer part of its slightly oval orbit; it may look larger and brighter than average, though the difference can be modest. The apparent enlargement near the horizon is a familiar visual effect known as the Moon illusion, NASA says.
Viewing Rates and Timing Caveats
The meteor rates in NASA’s guide are estimates for ideal conditions, not expected counts for every location. The guide does not specify local viewing forecasts, and visibility will depend on weather, darkness, the Moon’s position and the observer’s location. It also does not provide a more precise time for each shower’s peak beyond the dates or approximate dates listed.
NASA says Voyager 1 is to reach the one-light-day milestone in November, but the guide does not give an exact time for the event. It also does not state the full details of the Nov. 17 “Shine Bright for Voyager’s Light-Day” activation. The supermoon’s appearance will vary by location and conditions, and NASA cautions that its size difference from an average full Moon may be subtle.
November’s Dates to Watch
Observers can follow NASA’s calendar through the month: the Southern Taurids around Nov. 5, Northern Taurids around Nov. 12, Mars and Jupiter before sunrise on Nov. 15 and 16, and the Leonids after moonset on Nov. 17 and 18. NASA also invites the public to take part in its Nov. 17 Voyager activation and directs readers to nasa.gov/voyager for information.
The next major date in the guide is Nov. 24, when the full supermoon is expected to rise around sunset. NASA says the supermoon series continues in December and January. Local weather and more detailed event information may affect plans, so viewers should check conditions and NASA’s mission updates as the dates approach.
Key Questions
When should I look for the Leonid meteor shower?
NASA recommends the early morning hours of Nov. 17 and 18, after the Moon sets. The agency says the shower could reach about 15 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, but most viewers may see fewer.
Can I see Mars and Jupiter without a telescope?
Yes. NASA says both planets are visible to the unaided eye. Look southeast before sunrise on Nov. 15 or 16, when they are expected to appear about 1.2 degrees apart.
What does Voyager 1 being one light-day away mean?
It means light-speed signals take about 24 hours to travel one way between Earth and the spacecraft. A response would take about another 24 hours to return.
When is November’s supermoon?
NASA lists the full supermoon for Nov. 24. The guide recommends looking east around sunset as the Moon rises and notes that the apparent size difference may be subtle.
Source: science.nasa.gov
