المملكة: Jeddah Astronomy: November is the month of comets, giant moons, and meteor showers
The Astronomical Society in Jeddah Engineer Majid Abu Zahra said that the month of November brings with it a group of remarkable astronomical phenomena, noting that it is considered one of the best months of the year to follow the sky and observe planets, comets and lunar phenomena, whether in the Arab world or other regions of the northern hemisphere.
Abu Zahra said that the nights of November begin to extend gradually in the Arab region, which allows amateur astronomers to observe the sky as early as seven in the evening in many regions, adding The cold weather despite the low Temperatures provide ideal conditions for contemplation and observing the stars, while in the southern half of the Earth summer weather is approaching and tempting to go out to observe the heavenly scene from the open air.
Conjunction of the Moon with Saturn
He explained that the Moon will appear in early November in a state of beautiful conjunction with the planet Saturn with an interval of less than three degrees, before it becomes full on the fifth of the month in a phenomenon that is classified as a giant full moon due to its being closer to the Earth than usual.
Although the difference in size may not be It is observed with the naked eye, but the moon will be brighter and brighter than usual.
He indicated that the moon during this period appears very high in the sky of the northern half, which reduces the possibility of seeing Dim stars due to the intensity of its light, while it appears low in the southern hemisphere as a result of the tilt of the Earth’s axis, which explains the difference in its position on the horizon between the two hemispheres.
Comets of November
Abu Zahra pointed out that the month of November is marked by the appearance of two bright comets, C/2025 R2 (Swan) and C/2025 A6 (Lemon), as comet Lemon has been seen for weeks in the world’s sky. It will rise gradually in the southern half before fading at the end of the month, while it can be easily spotted with binoculars from locations far from city lights.
As for Comet Swan, it is visible during the first half of the night in the sky of the Arab region, and the month begins in the constellation Aquarius, heading towards the constellation Pisces, and the planet Saturn can be used to determine its location in the sky, but its brightness is gradually beginning to fade, making its observation require binoculars or a small telescope.
He added that owners of large telescopes may be able, in the last half of the month, to spot interstellar comet 3I/Atlas low on the eastern horizon before dawn, if it survives its solar approach in late October, expecting it to become more visible in December.
Leonide meteor shower in mid-November
The president of the association stated that mid-November will witness one of the most prominent astronomical phenomena of the year, which is the Leonid meteor shower that reaches its peak at dawn. November 18, explaining that the absence of the moon from the sky until dawn makes conditions ideal for monitoring, as 15 to 20 meteors can be seen per hour in areas far from light pollution.
Abu Zahra continued that the November sky will retain the remnants of the summer constellations such as the Lyre and the Flying Eagle on the western horizon before they disappear completely with the approach of winter, while the constellation Pegasus (the two-winged horse) shines on the high northern horizon, accompanied by the constellation Andromeda. (Andromeda), which includes the famous Andromeda Galaxy – the closest major galaxy to the Milky Way – and can be seen with the naked eye from dark areas.
Near it appears the slightly dimmer Triangle Galaxy, but it is easily seen with small telescopes.
In the far north of the sky, the Big Dipper appears low near the horizon, above it is the Ursa Minor constellation, and the Cassiopeia constellation (Cassiope) is clearly visible in the shape of the letter “W”, and below it is the double cluster in The constellation Perseus, which is one of the most beautiful sights that can be seen with the naked eye or binoculars.
Appearance and observation of the planets
Abu Zahra pointed out that Jupiter will rise from the east-southeast around 11 pm in early November, and its appearance will gradually progress to be seen after 8 pm by the end of the month, adding that it is the brightest celestial body after the moon, and its four large moons can be easily spotted with binoculars, while November 9 will witness a beautiful conjunction. Between Jupiter and the waning gibbous Moon.
As for the planet Uranus, it will be at its closest point to Earth this year on November 21, and its location can be determined using the Pleiades cluster as a reference, as it appears as a faint green smudge with a small telescope at a distance of about 2.7 billion kilometers.
At dawn, the planet Venus shines low on the southeastern horizon, depositing its position as the morning star, before it joins the crescent of the waning moon on November 18 in a scene. A wonderful astronomer.
Engineer Majid Abu Zahra concluded his speech by saying: “The month of November this year is rich in distinctive astronomical events, from the conjunctions of the moon and planets to the appearance of comets, meteor showers, and observation of distant galaxies. It is an ideal opportunity for sky lovers to explore the universe and enjoy its beauty, whether with the naked eye or using binoculars and small telescopes.”
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