NASA Releases November Sky Calendar
National Aeronautics and Space Administration officials published the November sky calendar detailing five major astronomical events visible in the coming weeks, Cumhuriyet reported. Stargazers can view multiple phenomena with the naked eye.
Taurid Meteor Showers Peak in November
South Taurid activity peaked around November 5, while the North Taurid meteor shower reaches maximum intensity on November 12, according to Cumhuriyet. Ideal conditions will yield approximately five meteors per hour. Bursada Bugün noted that Taurid meteors occasionally produce bright fireballs despite low overall counts. Fotomaç recommended observing between 23:00 and 03:00 from dark locations away from city lights.
Mars and Jupiter Appear Close in the Sky
Mars and Jupiter will appear close together in the southeastern sky before dawn on November 15 and 16, Cumhuriyet reported. Bursada Bugün stated that the angular separation will measure about 1.2 degrees. This visual alignment places the reddish hue of Mars near bright Jupiter from Earth’s perspective.
Leonid Meteor Peak Rates
The Leonid meteor shower peaks during the night of November 17 to 18, according to Cumhuriyet. Fotomaç reported that ideal conditions will produce roughly 15 meteors per hour. Birgun.net noted that particles left by comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle burn up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds.
Voyager 1 Distance Milestone
NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft will reach a distance of one light-day from Earth on November 18, Cumhuriyet reported. Bursada Bugün stated this distance equals approximately 25.9 billion kilometers, meaning radio signals take 24 hours for a one-way trip. The spacecraft will become the first human-made object to reach this milestone.
Supermoon Viewing Details
A supermoon will illuminate the sky on November 24, Cumhuriyet reported. Birgun.net noted that this full moon appears larger and brighter because it coincides with a closer orbital point to Earth. NASA figures indicate a supermoon can look up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than the most distant full moon.
