As November arrives, stargazers in the D.C. area are in for a treat, with astronomical events that range from stunning lunar views to meteor showers. WTOP’s Greg Redfern and Ian Crawford have put together a guide to help enthusiasts make the most of the night sky this month.
Must-See Celestial Events
- Full Hunter’s Supermoon: On November 6, the full moon will shine brighter than any other full moon this year, making it an excellent opportunity for photography and moon-gazing.
- Leonid Meteor Shower: Scheduled for the night of November 20-21, this meteor shower is expected to showcase 10 to 15 shooting stars per hour under ideal dark sky conditions.
- Capella, the Bright Star of November: This vibrant star, easily visible in the northeast, marks the arrival of the winter night sky. Its twinkling colors make it a beautiful sight shortly after dark.
The Milky Way and Notable Constellations
As the month begins, stargazers can observe the Summer Triangle setting towards the west. The Milky Way, a stunning band of stars, will shift into view as the night progresses. Those interested in capturing this spectacle can do so with a smartphone or camera if they take time-exposed photos while using a tripod for stability.
The constellation Pegasus, recognizable by its “Great Square,” will also be prominent this month. Its proximity to Andromeda allows observers to locate the Andromeda Galaxy, the farthest galaxy visible to the naked eye at a staggering distance of 2.5 million light-years.
Key Dates for November
- November 5: Look for Saturn alongside the nearly full moon as they rise in the east.
- November 12: Last quarter moon visible at night.
- November 20: New moon, ideal for observing faint celestial objects.
- November 28: First quarter moon, an excellent time to view the moon’s features.
Planetary Positions
This month, various planets will be positioned favorably for viewers:
- Mercury: Best viewed in the Southern Hemisphere at dusk.
- Venus: A glimpse of this bright planet can be seen low on the eastern horizon before dawn.
- Mars: Currently located in the sun’s glare at dusk, making it hard to see.
- Jupiter: This bright giant will rise in the northeast during the evening, offering a spectacular sight.
- Saturn: High in the southeast after dark, its rings can be viewed clearly through a telescope.
- Uranus: Visible in the eastern sky after dark; binoculars or a telescope are recommended for a better view.
- Neptune: Also in the eastern sky but requires a telescope for observation.
- Pluto: Far out in the solar system, it requires a telescope for sightings, often needing several days of imaging to spot.
Stargazing Events in D.C.
For those looking to enhance their celestial experience, several events are scheduled in and around the D.C. area:
- Shenandoah National Park: Big Meadows is a prime spot for dark skies, and Greg Redfern will host series of astronomy talks.
- George Mason University: Attendees can check the calendar for astronomy-themed gatherings.
- The Analemma Society: Offers public viewing sessions at Turner Farm in Great Falls, Virginia.
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: Various astronomy events will be hosted throughout the month.
In addition to these local events, enthusiasts can access NASA’s 2025 Science Calendar and The Planetary Society’s Space Events Calendar for broader astronomy information, ensuring comprehensive knowledge for all star lovers this month.