This month is full of restless skies for fans: several meteor showers in November They will appear with varying intensity, with a special focus on the Leonidas and the double swarm of the TauridsIf you're in Spain or anywhere in Europe, there will be several early mornings with very interesting options.
The key dates are concentrated in the first half of the month and around the night of the 17th, when the Leonids reach their peak. The lunar phase favors observation. In the middle of the month: the Moon will be very waning and, a few days later, the new moon arrives, leaving skies darker than usual.
Meteor shower calendar
Southern Taurids (4–5): Low-rate showers but known for producing fireballs. Under ideal conditions, around [number missing] are expected. 5–7 meteors/hThis peak coincides with a very bright moon, so visibility may be reduced, especially in cities.
Northern Taurids (11–12): a week later, the other branch of the same particle complex associated with Comet Encke arrives. Again, the activity is modest, around 5 meteors/hbut with very striking flash options; the waning moon The contrast is improved compared to the first week.
Leonids (17): the month's main meteor shower. Under dark skies, typical sightings range between 10 and 20 meteors/hIn the Iberian Peninsula, models place the maximum around the 19:00 (peninsular time)with possible sustained activity and better rates from midnight onwards, when the radiant in Leo It gains altitude. Some specialized calendars point to secondary peaks around the 14th at 16:37 GMT (17:37 peninsular) and between 23:53 and 00:54 GMT on the 18th–19th (00:53–01:54 peninsular).
Alpha Monocerotids (21–22): irregular rain and of unpredictable rateIt usually goes unnoticed, but occasionally it has shown brief spikes; it's worth taking a look in the early morning when the sky is as dark as possible.
Visibility in Spain and Europe: times and where to look
The best performance for almost all rain conditions occurs between midnight and dawnwhen the radiant rises and the Earth "sweeps" more particles head-on. In the case of the Leonids, it's worth keeping an eye out from the early evening of the 17th and continuing until... late hours of the morning.
It's not necessary to look directly at the radiant point. Although the Taurids appear to sprout from Taurus/Aries And with the Leonids in Leo, the trails can appear anywhere in the sky. Look for the darkest area, preferably opposite the Moon if present.
The further away from light pollution, the better. Stargazing parks, mountain ranges, and open plains help to enhance magnification. Let your eyes adjust to the darkness for a while. 30–40 minutes And avoid bright screens; if you can, lie down to take in more of the sky.
Patience and exposure time matter: reserve at least one continuous hourThe Taurids move slowly and can leave broad trails; the Leonids are fast and bright, with short trails that are best "hunted" by looking broadly.
What to expect and practical advice
The Taurid Mountains are famous for their occasional speedstersThese are sometimes called "Halloween meteors" when they appear in late October and early November. Although the total count may be low, a single very bright meteor can make the wait worthwhile.
The Moon has a significant influence. At the beginning of the month, its brightness negatively affects the Southern Taurids; in the second week, the last quarter It offers better conditions for the Northern Taurids and, looking ahead to the 17th, the thin lunar phase favors the Leonids with darker skies.
If you like to fine-tune your instrument, keep an eye out for potential issues. reinforced windows The Leonids meteor shower, in addition to its main peak on the 14th at 16:37 GMT (17:37 in mainland Spain), and during the period from 23:53 to 00:54 GMT on the 18th and 19th (00:53 to 01:54 in mainland Spain), are not guaranteed to be visible, but they are worth a try if the weather cooperates.
Check the weather forecast and wind conditions in your area. High clouds and high humidity reduce the contrast of the trails; with clear skies and clear horizons, the experience improves noticeably.
Finally, besides enjoying yourself, you can contribute to science: organizations like the American Meteor Society (AMS) and the National Astronomical Observatory They encourage sending reports of bolides with approximate time and location, which helps to refine predictions and studies of these currents.
With several appointments spread throughout the month, little light around, and some patience, November offers a wide array of shooting starsTaurids with possible flashes, Leonids on their best night and a couple of minor showers to complete the agenda in Spain and the rest of Europe.
