Three Meteor Showers Light Up November Skies
November holds steady for stargazers with three well-known meteor showers gracing the night. The Northern Taurids, the Southern Taurids, and the Leonids deliver reliable meteor activity and plenty of chances to glimpse streaks of light across the dark canvas. After the recent supermoon, darker skies in the following weeks offer an even better backdrop for watching these annual showers. Whether you’re new to meteor watching or returning to the autumn skies, you can maximize your chances by planning ahead and choosing the right viewing conditions.
When and Where to Watch
The Taurids run across a broad window from late October through November, with subtle differences between the Northern and Southern branches. The Leonids peak mid-November, producing bright, sometimes repeatable meteor bursts. The key to success is low light pollution, a clear horizon, and patience. Check local astronomy calendars for predicted peak activity given your time zone, and be prepared for a window of several hours rather than a single “perfect moment.”
Northern Taurids
These meteors are typically slower and fewer in number than some other showers, but they are known for their long, bright trails. If you enjoy a calm, contemplative meteor-watching session, the Northern Taurids can deliver a steady stream of fireflies across the northern sky. Aim to start after astronomical twilight ends and give your eyes time to adapt to darkness.
Southern Taurids
The Southern Taurids often bring a similar slow-fire display with bursts of brightness, sometimes producing longer-than-average streaks. Cloudless nights with a clear southern horizon are ideal; find an open area with as little artificial light as possible. Keep your expectations reasonable—this shower rewards patience and quiet observation over rapid meteor counts.
Leonids
The Leonids are the “headline” shower for many observers, famed for intense but unpredictable meteor storms every 33 years or so. In typical years, you can expect a healthy number of bright meteors above a broad arc of sky. For best results, position yourself facing away from bright cities and toward a dark, open field. Dress warmly and bring a thermos of something hot to stay comfortable through the late-night hours.
Best Practices for a Successful Night
Maximize your chances of seeing meteors by following a few simple steps. First, check local weather forecasts and choose a night with clear skies and low humidity. A new moon or crescent moon phase is preferable to minimize moonlight washing out faint meteors. Allow 20–30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the dark; avoid looking at phones or other bright screens during this period.
Find a dark site at least a few kilometers away from bright lights. Bring a comfortable chair or blanket, warm clothing, and a watch or timer to help you gauge activity. A red flashlight helps preserve night vision while allowing you to read maps or notes.
Photography and Video Tips
Capturing the meteor showers on camera requires some setup. Use a sturdy tripod and a wide-angle lens to frame a large portion of the sky. A long exposure of 15–30 seconds at a low ISO (around 800–1600) can yield bright, clean streaks without excessive noise. Shoot in RAW to preserve dynamic range for post-processing. If you’re using a motorized intervalometer, try 20–30 frames per session, with a delay of a few seconds between shots to reduce star trailing when you’re not intentionally creating trails.
For video enthusiasts, 4K time-lapse can compress a great night into a few seconds of meteor activity. Keep the camera largely motionless and capture the sky for extended periods, then stitch the footage for a dynamic result. Remember to check your battery life and memory capacity, as long sessions can be demanding on gear.
What to Expect and How to Adjust
Beyond counts and rate estimates, meteor watching is about getting outdoors and reconnecting with the night sky. The Taurids and Leonids won’t always deliver dramatic showers every year, but persistent listeners can still enjoy the twinkling trails and the quiet awe of space. If a forecast calls for cloud cover, consider giving it another night— sometimes the best shows happen under the most surprising skies.
In Summary
November’s meteor showers offer a reliable, fan-friendly opportunity to observe space activity, with the Northern Taurids, Southern Taurids, and Leonids all contributing their unique charms. By choosing dark skies, preparing for cold conditions, and using smart camera settings, you can watch like a pro and create memorable experiences under the starry autumn night. Keep an eye on local astronomy groups for viewing parties or telescope-enabled events that might accompany these showers.
