November 2025 Stargazing Guide: Full Beaver Supermoon, Taurids & Leonids Meteor Showers, and Saturn’s Ring Plane Crossing

True supermoons occur when the full moon coincides precisely with perigee, the point in its orbit nearest to Earth — a relatively rare occurrence. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the Beaver Supermoon will reach peak illumination on November 5 at 8:19 a.m. EST (5:49 p.m. IST).

The November full moon also carries several traditional names from Native American cultures, each reflecting seasonal changes and wildlife activity. The Cree call it the “Rivers Begin to Freeze Moon,” the Haida refer to it as the “Bears Sleep Moon,” and the Hopi name it the “Fledgling Hawk Moon.”

Taurids Meteor Shower

The Taurid meteor showers, split into the Southern and Northern Taurids, both originate from the constellation Taurus, which rises in the eastern sky before midnight. These showers are associated with Comet 2P/Encke, whose debris produces slow-moving but often bright meteors as Earth passes through its trail.

The Taurids are famous for their fireballs — exceptionally bright meteors that can rival Venus in brilliance. The best viewing occurs between midnight and dawn, far from city lights.

Active period: October 11 – late November

Southern Taurids peak: Late October

Northern Taurids peak: Mid-November

Expected rate: Up to 5 meteors per hour under dark skies

Find a clear, dark spot away from light pollution, let your eyes adjust for at least 20 minutes, and enjoy the steady, sparkling show.

Leonids Meteor Shower

The Leonids peak around November 16–17, radiating from the constellation Leo, between the stars Algieba and Rasalas. While Leo rises after midnight, the best viewing time begins once the constellation is high in the eastern sky.

The Leonids are legendary for their speed — streaking through Earth’s atmosphere faster than any other major meteor shower, earning them a place in the Guinness World Records as the “Fastest Meteor Shower.”

This year offers particularly favorable conditions: the Leonids peak two weeks after the full moon, meaning only a slim crescent moon will be present to dim the view. For the best experience, look east after midnight and prepare to wish upon a flurry of shooting stars.

Saturn’s Ring Plane Crossing

Saturn — famous for its majestic, icy rings — will present a rare phenomenon this month. On November 23, Earth aligns closely with the plane of Saturn’s ring system, causing the rings to appear almost invisible from our perspective.

Saturn’s rings extend from roughly 4,300 miles (7,000 km) to 50,000 miles (80,000 km) from the planet’s surface but are astonishingly thin — only about 30 feet (10 meters) in some areas. During the ring-plane crossing, even through a telescope, the rings may appear as a mere line or vanish altogether, revealing Saturn’s pale, gaseous sphere.

To view Saturn:

Look south, about 45° above the horizon

Find it between the constellations Pisces and Aquarius

For best results, move away from city lights and let your eyes adapt to the dark

It’s a rare and fleeting event — one that won’t occur again for years — making November a perfect time to take a fresh look at the jewel of the solar system.