Skywatch November

The stars of Libra and Scorpio rise with the Sun, while those of Aries and Taurus rise in the east after sunset. 

The Pleiades star cluster reaches midnight culmination around the 22nd of the month, rising into the evening sky after sunset and remaining visible throughout the night. 

The crescent shape of the constellation Corona Borealis is visible at dawn, just before sunrise in the east-north-east; Alpha Coronae Borealis, also known as Alphecca is the starry jewel in this northern crown, aligning with the sunrise-sunset mid-month.

5th The Full Moon of Mists shines beneath the stars of Aries, rising at dusk and heralding the appearance of the Pleiades.  This station of the moon at the 'belly of the ram' near the star Botein is associated with serenity, peace and reconciliation.  From the star meditations, Botein encourages us to learn, respect and thank all our animal relatives for sharing this amazing journey; and for adding joy, inspiration, and colour to our lives.  

7th The sun joins the star Zubenelgenubi in Libra, marking the Cross Quarter point between the September equinox and the December solstice.

10th The Moon meets the planet Jupiter in the constellation Gemini, where the lunar and Jovian light work harmoniously as twins; inspiration and intuition perfectly and positively paired.

12th The Northern Taurids meteor stream peaks today.

14th  Alphecca, the jewel in the Northern Crown rises at dawn, as the stars of the Pleiades and Perseus approach opposition.

17th  The Leonids meteor shower reaches peak activity.  The radiant is visible to northern hemisphere observers from late evening to early morning if the sky is clear.

20th  New Moon in Scorpio near the stars Acrab and Deschubba as we enter a time of mystery, magic and potential enlightenment.

22nd  The Pleiades reach their midnight culmination, visible throughout the night, coinciding with festivals of light in honour of the ancestors.  In the Elven calendar, this night is known as Quivere Quendiva, 'awakening of the elves' in honour of the light of the stars and the light at the centre of all things.  

The November Orionids peak

29th  Antares (Alpha Scorpii) aligns with the sun, marking the beginning of 'advent' and the approach of the December solstice.