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NASA’s November 2026 skywatching guide lists two Taurid peaks, Leonid meteors, Mars appearing close to Jupiter before sunrise and a full supermoon on Nov. 24. NASA also says Voyager 1 is expected to reach a distance of one light-day from Earth this month, with an activation planned for Nov. 17.
NASA has published its November 2026 skywatching guide, pointing observers to the Taurid and Leonid meteor showers, a close apparent pairing of Mars and Jupiter, and a full supermoon on Nov. 24. The agency also says Voyager 1 is set to reach a distance of one light-day from Earth this month, with a public “Shine Bright for Voyager’s Light-Day” activation scheduled for Nov. 17.
The Southern Taurids peak around Nov. 5, followed by the Northern Taurids around Nov. 12, according to NASA. Each shower may produce about five meteors per hour under ideal conditions, though rates can vary and an occasional bright fireball may be more noticeable than the number suggests. NASA says the showers appear to originate from different areas of the constellation Taurus.
The Leonids are expected to be best viewed before dawn on Nov. 17 and 18, after the Moon has set. NASA gives a possible rate of up to about 15 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, while cautioning that most viewers will see fewer. The agency recommends choosing a dark location, allowing about half an hour for eyes to adjust and taking in as much of the sky as possible.
Before sunrise on Nov. 15 and 16, Mars and Jupiter will appear about 1.2 degrees apart in the southeast, NASA says. Jupiter will look brighter, with reddish Mars nearby; both should be visible without binoculars or a telescope. On Nov. 24, the full Moon will be a supermoon. NASA describes this as the first of three consecutive supermoons spanning November, December and January, and advises looking east around sunset to see the Moon rise.
November’s Best Viewing Opportunities
The guide gives skywatchers several dates to plan around, but the viewing conditions will matter. Meteor counts are ideal-condition estimates, not a promise of what every observer will see. Light pollution, weather, the Moon’s position and the time spent watching can all affect how many meteors are visible.
The Mars-Jupiter pairing offers a different kind of observation: the planets will look close together from Earth, even though they remain far apart in space. The supermoon is another accessible target, visible to people who do not have specialist equipment. NASA notes that the apparent size difference from an average full Moon may be subtle.
Voyager 1’s milestone connects the month’s skywatching to a much longer-running space mission. A one-light-day distance means that a signal traveling at light speed takes about 24 hours to reach the spacecraft; a reply would take about another 24 hours to return. That delay offers a concrete measure of how far the probe has traveled.
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How the Dates Fit Together
NASA’s monthly “What’s Up” guide is a calendar of observable sky events and selected mission milestones. For November, the meteor showers fall across the first half of the month, the planets appear close together on two mornings, and the Leonids follow after the Moon sets. The full supermoon arrives later, on Nov. 24.
The term supermoon refers to a full Moon occurring while the Moon is relatively near Earth in its slightly oval orbit. NASA says the Moon may appear larger and brighter than average, though that difference can be difficult to discern. Its apparent enlargement near the horizon is a common visual effect known as the Moon illusion, rather than a further change in its actual size.
NASA says Voyager 1 will be the first human-made object to travel one light-day from Earth. The agency’s guide suggests looking toward the constellation Ophiuchus to imagine the spacecraft’s direction, but the constellation is not a view of Voyager itself. NASA directs readers to nasa.gov/voyager for details about the Nov. 17 activation.
Conditions Shape What Viewers See
The dates and observing guidance are NASA’s forecast, but local visibility is not guaranteed. Cloud cover, haze, light pollution and the observer’s location can limit views, while meteor rates vary. The hourly figures are stated for ideal conditions, and NASA says many viewers will see fewer Leonids.
NASA’s guide does not specify the exact time or location for the Nov. 17 Voyager activation, nor does it give a precise clock time for Voyager 1’s one-light-day crossing. The supermoon’s apparent difference in size and brightness will also depend on viewing conditions and may be subtle. Details beyond those in the guide remain unclear.
Dates to Watch This Month
Skywatchers can follow NASA’s calendar through November: Southern Taurids around Nov. 5, Northern Taurids around Nov. 12, Mars and Jupiter before sunrise on Nov. 15–16, and the Leonids after moonset before dawn on Nov. 17–18. The full supermoon is due on Nov. 24.
For the Voyager milestone, NASA says the public activation will take place on Nov. 17 and directs readers to nasa.gov/voyager for more information. The guide does not provide additional event logistics, so readers should check NASA’s page for any updated instructions. NASA’s Science skywatching page is also the agency’s source for future monthly observing guides.
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 estimates up to 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 should be visible to the unaided eye before sunrise on Nov. 15 and 16. Look southeast; Jupiter will be brighter, with reddish Mars nearby.
What does Voyager 1 reaching one light-day mean?
It means light takes about 24 hours to travel from Earth to Voyager 1. A signal and a response would take about 48 hours for a round trip, not counting any processing time.
When is November’s supermoon?
The full supermoon is expected on Nov. 24. NASA says it will begin a run of three consecutive supermoons in November, December and January.
Source: science.nasa.gov
