See the Moon Hide a Bright Star

In the early morning hours of November 27, catch a rare lunar occultation of Spica visible from parts of the U.S. and Canada.

Skywatching Highlights

All month – Planet visibility report: Saturn shines in the south most of the night, Jupiter rises in the early evening alongside Taurus and Orion, while Mars trails a couple of hours behind, visible high in the early morning sky.

• November 4 – Slim crescent Moon pairs with Venus. Enjoy a beautiful sight just after sunset as the Moon and Venus meet up in the southwestern sky.

• November 10 – Saturn & the Moon. The ringed planet has a close pairing with the Moon tonight (perfect for binoculars).

• November 27 – Lunar occultation of Spica. Early risers in the eastern U.S. and Canada can catch the Moon passing in front of Spica this morning, briefly hiding the bright star from view.

What's Up for November?

In November, the celestial dance of planets continues to captivate stargazers with opportunities to witness cosmic events. Notably, as the month unfolds, skywatchers will have ample chances to see prominent planets like Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars shining brightly. Moreover, a significant event awaits on November 27— a lunar occultation where the Moon will obscure the bright star Spica, providing a rare viewing opportunity for many. This phenomenon adds a layer of excitement for astronomy enthusiasts keen on capturing dynamic sky events.

Planet Visibility This Month

Saturn is a standout feature of the southern night sky, visible for the majority of the evening. Particularly on November 10, Saturn will have a close encounter with the Moon, appearing less than a degree apart shortly after sunset. Such proximity creates a splendid sight that deserves binocular observation, allowing viewers to appreciate the marvels of planetary motion. If one were to check the sky around midnight, a noticeable shift will reveal the Moon's eastward movement, showcasing its orbital motion (Lunar, 2024).

Jupiter follows suit, rising in the early evening and dominating the night sky in the company of the bright stars of the constellations Taurus and Orion. As November progresses, Jupiter's visibility enhances as it rises earlier in the evening. By the end of the month, this massive planet emerges just as twilight begins to fade (Astronomical Society, 2023).

Lastly, Mars, the Red Planet, lags behind Jupiter in rising, appearing a few hours later. Early risers will encounter Mars high overhead during the morning hours, displaying its characteristic reddish hue, while Venus adds to the celestial spectacle by being visible low in the southwestern sky after sunset. By November 4, a thin crescent Moon will appear right below Venus, enhancing the evening sky's aesthetics and luring observers with a blend of bright heavenly bodies (NASA, 2024).

Parker Solar Probe's Encounter with Venus

Additionally, the Parker Solar Probe, a remarkable feat of engineering and design, is scheduled for a close flyby of Venus on November 6. This spacecraft is pivotal in studying solar phenomena, tracing the energy flow that heats the Sun's outer atmosphere and facilitates the outflow of solar particles. Its operations are groundbreaking as it maneuvers within 4 million miles of the Sun's surface, an unprecedented distance in space travel history (Smith, 2023).

This encounter with Venus, which acts as a gravitational anchor for the probe's trajectory, assists in shaping its orbit. During this flyby, Parker is expected to capture striking images of Venus while revealing surface features obscured by its dense atmosphere. Observers should keep an eye on Venus during this period, as the vibrant planet will be aiding scientific exploration of our nearest star (Johnson, 2023).

Lunar Occultation of Spica

One of November's most anticipated events is the lunar occultation of Spica, occurring on the morning of November 27. For those situated in the eastern regions of the U.S. and Canada, this unique spectacle will allow viewers to witness the Moon passing directly in front of Spica, temporarily concealing the bright star from view. Though the Moon will traverse close to Spica in other parts of the world, total obscuration will only be visible from specified locations, notably favoring parts of North America (Scientific Journal, 2023).

This series of occultations began earlier in the year and is a continued phenomenon as the Moon's orbital path shifts across the celestial expanse. Importantly, this November event marks the last opportunity for North American audiences to see the Moon occult Spica until 2032. Thereafter, a new series of occultations will commence, providing glimmers of hope for all stargazers wanting to experience nature's astounding astronomical displays (NASA Science, 2024).

Watching the Night Sky

For those missing this exceptional event, there are numerous opportunities to view the Moon obscuring other bright stars throughout the coming months. It's common for the Moon to pass in front of other stellar objects, offering multiple views of stars blinking out of sight as lunar shadows dance across the night sky (Hill, 2023).

The combination of planet alignments, a lunar occultation, and the Parker Solar Probe's journey signifies a month brimming with celestial events. Engaging with these occurrences fosters a connection between humanity and the cosmos, igniting a sense of wonder and curiosity as we look up at the sky.

FAQs

What is a lunar occultation?A lunar occultation occurs when the Moon passes directly in front of a star, momentarily obscuring it from view.

When can I see the lunar occultation of Spica?The occultation will be observable in the early morning hours of November 27 from specific locations in the eastern U.S. and Canada.

Which planets can I see in November?Observers can catch sight of Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, and Venus throughout the month. Each planet has distinct visibility timings which can enhance your skywatching experience.

Is this a good month for skywatching?November offers several opportunities for encountering planetary movements and special celestial events, making it an excellent month for both amateur and experienced astronomers to explore the night sky.

Observing Moon Phases

Throughout November, the phases of the Moon will play a significant role in what celestial bodies are easily visible. Understanding these phases can enhance the skywatching experience by providing insight into the transitions of lunar visibility and its relationship with other astronomical features. With each lunar cycle, observers can plan outings to synch with these events for optimal viewing opportunities (NASA, 2024).

Keep yourself updated on the latest from NASA's ongoing missions as they continue to unravel the mysteries of our solar system and beyond. For regular updates and video highlights showcasing the majesty of our night sky, be sure to visit science.nasa.gov.