This November, the Moon will reach its last quarter on the 12th. It will be positioned 90 degrees west of the sun and will rise around 11 PM local time on the evening before. During the coming weekend, the waning gibbous moon will rise in the evening. This creates a nice window to enjoy the meteor showers under dark skies between dusk and moonrise.
For evening observers, the estimated meteor count is around 3 per hour from mid-northern latitudes (45°N) and 2 per hour from southern tropical areas (25°S). In the mornings, the counts increase to about 14 for northern viewers and 8 for southern viewers. Keep in mind that these numbers may be lower due to moonlight interference.
The actual number you might see can vary based on visibility, weather, and your experience watching meteors. Viewing from dark areas yields better visibility. Light pollution from urban areas will limit your chances, making only the brightest meteors visible.
The meteors come from specific regions of the sky called radiants. Observations should focus on these areas to maximize chances of seeing meteors. The best viewing time for many is when the radiant is high in the sky, usually around midnight. If you’re interested in tracking meteors back to their radiant, keep it near the edge of your view rather than in the center.
Some meteor showers to watch for this week include:
- Andromedids (AND): Active with low rates, best seen in northeastern Pisces, near the star Mirach. Look for these around 11 PM.
- Omicron Eridanids (OER): Active with very low visibility. They are better seen around 1 AM, located in Taurus.
- Northern Taurids (NTA): Active just after midnight, offering about 2 meteors per hour in the northern hemisphere.
- Leonids (LEO): These quick meteors are active until December 7th, peaking around November 17th. Look for them in the eastern sky.
Interestingly, over the past few decades, meteor observation has become more popular due to advancements in technology. With camera networks capturing these wonders, there’s more data than ever for researchers. According to a 2020 survey by the American Meteor Society, 25% of respondents reported observing meteors regularly, a spike fueled by easy access to apps and online resources.
Meteor activity is often accompanied by social media buzz, especially during major showers. Many users share photos or live updates, creating a vibrant online community. A trending hashtag for meteor nights, like #MeteorWatch, can help connect enthusiasts sharing their experiences.
If you want to dive deeper into understanding meteors and their origins, you can explore the IMO’s 2025 Meteor Shower Calendar. This provides comprehensive details on how to spot these cosmic travelers throughout the year.
So gear up, find a dark spot, and enjoy a spectacular evening under the stars!
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