November Supermoon and Southern Taurid Meteor Shower to Dazzle Skywatchers

A spectacular celestial event is set to unfold this week, featuring November’s full Beaver Moon and the Southern Taurid meteor shower. The full moon will reach its peak at 8:19 a.m. ET on November 1, 2023, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Although the moon will be below the horizon at that time, skywatchers should look to the evening skies for an optimal view.

November’s full moon, commonly known as the Beaver Moon, signifies a time when beavers prepare for winter by reinforcing their dams and gathering food. This full moon carries various names in different cultures, such as the “digging moon” among the Tlingit people, the “deer rutting moon” as referred to by the Dakota, and the “frost moon” by the Cree. This lunar event is notable as it marks the second of three consecutive supermoons in 2023.

A supermoon occurs when the moon is at perigee, its closest point to Earth, causing it to appear larger and brighter. Dr. Alissa Bans, director of undergraduate studies at Emory University‘s department of physics, explains, “It’s so subtle that the human eye does not pick up the superness of it. But we still give it a fun name to indicate that technically, this is the moon at its biggest and brightest, just not that much bigger on average than it usually is.”

For those unable to view the moon due to cloud cover, the Virtual Telescope Project will provide a livestream of the full moon over Manciano, Italy, starting at 2 p.m. ET on the same day.

Expect Fireballs from the Southern Taurid Meteor Shower

Alongside the Beaver Moon, the Southern Taurid meteor shower will peak at 8 a.m. ET on November 1, 2023. This meteor shower, as reported by EarthSky, typically does not feature a strong peak, with observers likely to see only about five meteors per hour. Robert Lunsford, fireball report coordinator for the American Meteorological Society, notes, “But anytime it’s dark in that period (October through early November), you’ll be able to see these slow meteors coming from the constellation of Aries in October and Taurus in November.”

The Taurids originate from the debris trail of the small comet 2P/Encke, which boasts the shortest orbit of any known comet at just 3.3 years. In the past, this meteor shower has produced what are known as “Halloween fireballs,” owing to their appearance around that time.

Lunsford highlights the uniqueness of this year’s Taurid meteor shower, stating, “The entire encounter with Taurids this year is special because we’re predicted to encounter some fresh material that’s a little bit larger than your average Taurid meteor. And these tend to cause fireballs.”

While the moonlight may hinder visibility for most of the meteors, there remains the possibility of spotting a fireball. To enhance viewing chances, individuals should seek areas with clear skies, away from tall buildings and artificial light. The prime time for observation will be after sunset and before the moon reaches its zenith on Wednesday evening.

Lunsford adds that while the Taurids are slightly more favorable for the Northern Hemisphere, they are visible in both hemispheres. Observers in regions such as Australia or South Africa may find it challenging, as the radiant point is lower in the sky, potentially obscured by the horizon.

Future Celestial Events to Look Out For

For those captivated by meteor showers, several notable events are scheduled for the remainder of the year. The American Meteor Society and EarthSky provide information on upcoming meteor showers, ensuring skywatchers stay informed on when to catch these breathtaking displays.

As the year draws to a close, enthusiasts can also anticipate the last full supermoon of 2023, offering one final chance to witness the moon at its most impressive. With these celestial events on the horizon, November promises to be an exciting month for skywatchers and astronomy fans alike.