November Night Sky: Meteor Showers, a Supermoon and a Planetary Show Await North Carolina Skywatchers

Published: November 2, 2026 | Rowan County Weather & Regional Forecast

November is shaping up to be an exciting month for anyone who enjoys looking toward the heavens. From meteor showers and a bright full Moon to several planets putting on a show before sunrise, there will be plenty of reasons to step outside and look up.

For residents across Rowan, Davie, Davidson and Cabarrus counties, several of this month's celestial events can be enjoyed without a telescope. All you need is a reasonably clear sky, a little patience and, for some events, a willingness to get up before sunrise.

November's Meteor Showers: Watch for Fireballs and Shooting Stars

Two meteor shower families will be worth watching this month.

The Taurid Meteor Showers — November 4–5 and November 11–12

The Southern Taurids reach their peak around November 4–5, followed by the Northern Taurids around November 11–12.

Neither shower is known for producing large numbers of meteors. Under favorable conditions, observers might see only a handful per hour. However, the Taurids have a reputation for producing occasional bright fireballs — exceptionally bright meteors that can create memorable streaks across the sky.

The best viewing opportunities will be away from city lights, especially after midnight.

The Leonid Meteor Shower — November 16–18

The Leonids are one of November's most anticipated celestial events. Activity peaks around November 16–18, with the early morning hours offering the best opportunities to watch.

The Leonids originate from debris left behind by Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. These meteors move exceptionally fast and sometimes leave bright streaks across the sky.

Under ideal conditions, meteor rates could reach roughly 10–15 per hour, although actual counts may be considerably lower. The Moon should set around midnight, providing darker skies for the hours leading up to dawn.

For the best experience, find a dark location, allow your eyes time to adjust and watch a broad section of the sky rather than staring at one constellation.

November 24: The Full Beaver Supermoon

November's full Moon arrives on Tuesday, November 24, and this one has an added distinction: it qualifies as a supermoon.

The November full Moon is traditionally called the Beaver Moon. A supermoon occurs when a full Moon happens relatively close to Earth in its orbit, making it appear somewhat larger and brighter than an average full Moon.

The exact full Moon occurs at 9:53 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 24. Since that happens during daylight hours in North Carolina, the Moon will be especially impressive when it rises around sunset that evening.

If you enjoy photographing the Moon, look for an unobstructed eastern horizon. The Moon may appear particularly dramatic near trees, buildings or other familiar landmarks.

A Planetary Gathering Before Sunrise

Early risers will have several opportunities to enjoy bright planets during November.

Around November 15–16, Mars and Jupiter will appear unusually close together in the predawn sky. Jupiter will stand out as the brighter, whitish object, while Mars will have a reddish appearance.

Venus will also become a brilliant morning object as the month progresses, reaching its greatest brightness for 2026 near the end of November.

Mercury makes a morning appearance later in the month, although it will remain low in the eastern sky and may be more difficult to spot.

For the best planetary viewing, look toward the eastern and southeastern sky before sunrise and find a location with a clear view of the horizon.

November 9: A New Moon Means Darker Skies

The new Moon occurs Monday, November 9.

The nights surrounding a new Moon are especially favorable for observing faint stars and deep-sky objects because moonlight will not brighten the night sky.

This is an excellent time to look for the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters, or simply enjoy the increasing number of bright winter stars appearing in the evening sky.

Orion Returns to the Evening Sky

One of the most recognizable constellations, Orion, becomes increasingly prominent as November progresses.

Look toward the eastern sky later in the evening for Orion's distinctive three-star belt. As we approach winter, Orion will rise earlier and become a familiar sight on clear nights.

The bright stars Betelgeuse and Rigel are two of the constellation's most recognizable features.

Tips for Watching the November Night Sky

You don't need expensive equipment to enjoy most of these events.

Choose a location away from bright streetlights and outdoor lighting. Give your eyes at least 15–20 minutes to adjust to the darkness, and avoid looking at bright phone screens.

For meteor showers, a reclining chair and a warm jacket can make a big difference. November nights can turn chilly quickly, especially in rural locations.

Most importantly, remember that cloud cover is the deciding factor. Even the most impressive astronomical event will be difficult to see if clouds obscure the sky.

A Month Worth Looking Up

From the Taurids and Leonids to the Beaver Supermoon and a gathering of planets, November offers several opportunities to enjoy the night sky across our region.

Rowan County Weather & Regional Forecast will continue monitoring weather conditions and highlighting favorable viewing opportunities as these events approach.

Whether you're an experienced astrophotographer or simply enjoy stepping outside to admire the stars, November is a great month to look up.