November 2026 Night Sky Highlights

On November 1, the moon will pass near the Beehive Cluster (M44) in the predawn sky. Observers can use a medium-sized telescope to see the cluster's stars around the lunar glare. A smartphone can be used to capture the scene by tapping the screen on the moon to lock exposure.

On November 2, Mars will appear near the moon, creating a conjunction. Naked-eye observers can easily spot the Red Planet near the half-illuminated lunar disk. A DSLR camera with a 200 mm lens is recommended for capturing the pairing, with bracketed exposures to balance the moon's Earthshine and Mars's color.

On November 4, the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) will be visible high in the evening sky. It is the farthest object visible to the naked eye under dark skies. Observers using wide-field refracting telescopes can see its dust lanes and satellite galaxies, M32 and M110. A DSLR camera on a tracking mount can capture the galaxy's spiral arms with short exposures.

The Southern Taurid meteor shower peaks on November 5, with slow-moving, bright fireballs visible in the predawn sky. Observers should look for meteors appearing 45 degrees away from the radiant point in Taurus for longer trails. A camera on a tripod with a wide-angle lens and continuous 20-second exposures is ideal for capturing the event.

Comet 161P/Hartley-IRAS will be visible in the Northern Hemisphere evening sky on November 6, appearing as a faint, ghostly patch of gray light. Large binoculars or telescopes are needed to spot it under dark skies. Astrophotographers should use tracking mounts and stack multiple exposures to capture the comet's faint glow.

On November 7, Venus, Spica, and the lunar crescent will form a close grouping in the predawn sky. Observers in southern locations may witness a lunar occultation. A clear view of the east-southeastern horizon is essential, with the best viewing window between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. for the East Coast of North America.