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    • How to See November Meteor Showers and Supermoon in Wisconsin
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    How to See November Meteor Showers and Supermoon in Wisconsin

    Umito Posted on

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    This is shaping up to be a big week for skywatchers: two different meteor showers will cross the sky in the coming days, along with November’s supermoon to kick off the weekend.

    The Northern Taurids will reach their peak this evening, followed by the November “Beaver Moon” on Friday. And, throughout the weekend, you can witness the Leonid meteor shower, considered one of the biggest showers of each year.

    Here’s what to know about the upcoming meteor shower and full moon, including how to see them from Wisconsin.

    When does the Northern Taurids meteor shower occur?

    The Taurids are slow-moving, long-lasting meteors that become visible every fall. While the Southern Taurids peaked last week, you will still be able to see the Northern Taurids peak on Tuesday, November 12, according to the American Meteor Society.

    These meteors are particularly known for being rich in fireballs, lighting up the sky with great explosions of light and color. At their peak, the showers produce about five meteors per hour and should be visible from almost anywhere on Earth except the South Pole. according to USA TODAY.

    Although your best chance of seeing the Taurides is this week, the southern showers will remain active until December 8th and the northern ones until December 2nd.

    When does the Leonid meteor shower occur?

    The Leonids are a major shower that peaks each year in mid-November, often producing bright, colorful meteors, according to NASA.

    The Leonid sheaf moves much faster than that of the Taurids: according to EarthSkythe shower previously turned into a meteor “storm”, with rates for the Leonid shower of 1833 hitting a whopping 100,000 meteors per hour. However, these meteor showers only occur about every 33 years, with the last one being in 2002.

    The Leonid meteor shower has been active all month, but it will be at its peak on November 16 and 17, according to the American Meteor Society. The shower is best seen between midnight and dawn, ideally in a location away from city and street lights.

    When does the November supermoon occur?

    The fourth and final supermoon of the year will take place on Friday, November 15. November’s full moon is also called the “Beaver Moon,” in a nod to how beavers begin to hunker down for the winter at this time of year, according to Old Farmer’s Almanac.

    A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the time when the moon’s orbit is closest to Earth. This makes the moon appear slightly larger and brighter than a typical full moon.

    When will the next meteor showers occur in 2024?

    After the Leonids, there are two meteor showers left in the year.

    • The Geminids: Considered one of the strongest and most consistent meteor showers, Peak Geminids could feature up to 120 meteor trails per hour crossing the night sky, according to NASA. The best time to view will be in the early hours of December 13-14.
    • The Ursids: Ursides are considered a “discreet” shower; viewers can see up to five to ten meteors per hour in dark skies during the peak. The best time to see the shower will be before dawn on December 22-23, depending on Earth Sky.

    The best places to watch celestial events in Wisconsin

    The best conditions for viewing the night sky will be clear skies without clouds or haze. Be sure to check the forecast before you go.

    Here’s a list of places in Wisconsin that might offer some of the best views of the night sky:

    USA TODAY contributed to this report.

    Umito
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