Clear skies, mild temperatures, stunning constellations and meteor showers make November an ideal time to look to the starry skies above Joshua Tree National Park! So dim your lights, pull up a chair and gaze into the heavens at this favorite International Dark-Sky Park.
Your galactic adventure starts by reviewing this month’s night sky happenings:
“The Water” appears in the November sky. “The Water” refers to the prevalence of water-based constellations appearing this month like Aquarius (the water bearer), Capricornus (the ocean goat), Pisces (the fishes), Pegasus (winged horse, son of Poseidon), The River, Cetus (the sea monster), and Delphinus (the dolphin).
November 3: Jupiter is at opposition. This means the Earth’s orbit brings it right between Jupiter and the sun, creating the closest position Jupiter will be to Earth all year. Expect Jupiter to be big and bright!
November 11 & 12: Minor meteor shower the Taurids will be lighting up the night sky with a few meteors per hour.
November 13: New moon! These extra-dark skies are an excellent time to catch sight of your favorite stars. Uranus will also be at opposition. The Earth’s orbit brings it between Uranus and the sun. This means Uranus will be at its closest position to Earth all year, and it will be bright!
November 17 & 18: The Leonid Meteor Shower peaks in the night sky. Look for shooting stars, about 15-ish per hour!
November 20: Saturn appears in the sky close to the moon.
November 25: Jupiter appears in the sky close to the moon.
November 26: Uranus appears in the sky close to the moon.
November 27: Full Beaver Moon! The face of the moon will be fully illuminated, making it a great time for “moon-bathing” and full-moon hikes.
Pudgy Buffalo 
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