November is a wonderful month to get outside and enjoy the night sky. Nights are longer, the air is crisp and clear, and the skies above Cork are full of activity. This month we’ve got bright planets, two meteor showers, and some beautiful deep-sky objects making a return. Whether you’ve got a telescope, binoculars, or just your own eyes, there’s plenty to see.
Moon Phases
- First Quarter – Nov 5
- Full Moon (Beaver Moon) – Nov 14
- Last Quarter – Nov 21
- New Moon (dark skies) – Nov 29
Planets on Show
- Mercury – Low in the morning twilight early in the month.
- Venus – Brilliant in the morning sky, rising before sunrise.
- Mars – Fainter, in Gemini, rising in the early morning hours.
- Jupiter – Visible in the evening, gradually setting earlier as the month progresses.
- Saturn – High in the south in Capricornus during early evenings.
- Uranus – Binocular target, rising late evening near Aries.
- Neptune – In Aquarius, best viewed with a telescope mid-evening.
Meteor Showers
- Taurids – Active Nov 1–Dec 10, peak around Nov 5–12, best after midnight. Known for occasional bright fireballs.
- Leonids – Active Nov 6–30, peak Nov 17–18, fast meteors; dark skies after moonset provide ideal conditions.
Key Events
- Nov 6–7 – Moon near Jupiter, bright evening pairing.
- Nov 14 – Full Moon (Beaver Moon), great for lunar photography.
- Nov 17–18 – Leonid Meteor Shower peak — best after midnight under dark skies.
- Nov 21–22 – Moon near Mars at dawn.
- Nov 29 – New Moon, perfect for deep-sky observing and comet hunting.
Deep Sky Favorites
(Best viewed around the New Moon, Nov 29)
- Andromeda Galaxy (M31) – Overhead in the east, bright and large.
- Double Cluster in Perseus – Stunning through binoculars.
- Pleiades (M45) – Rising earlier each night, dazzling in autumn skies.
- Triangulum Galaxy (M33) – A challenging target, rewarding in dark Irish skies.
Local Sunset, Twilight & Darkness Windows in Cork (November 2025)
- Early November: sunset ~18:00, sunrise ~07:30
- By mid-November: sunset ~17:35, sunrise ~07:45
- Astronomical darkness typically begins ~19:00–19:30, giving long stretches for observing
Sky Events & Highlights for Cork – November 2025
| Date / Period | Event | Best Time & Notes from Cork |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 1–Dec 10 | Taurid Meteor Shower active | Peak nights around Nov 5–12. Fireballs possible. Best viewing after midnight. |
| Nov 6–7 | Moon near Jupiter | Evening sky, bright pairing; use binoculars or telescope for Jupiter moons. |
| Nov 14 | Full Moon / Beaver Moon | Bright Moon; great for lunar photography, washes out fainter stars. |
| Nov 17–18 | Leonid Meteor Shower peak | Late night to pre-dawn under dark skies; fast meteors. |
| Nov 21–22 | Moon near Mars | Dawn viewing, rising early in the east. |
| Nov 29 | New Moon | Dark skies; prime for deep-sky observing and comet spotting. |
Sample Observing Nights & Tips (for Cork)
- Nov 5–12: prime for Taurid meteors. Best after midnight with an open view of the sky.
- Nov 17–18: Leonid meteor peak — dark, late-night skies; lie back and watch the whole sky.
- Nov 6–7: Jupiter and Moon pairing — use binoculars or a telescope to enjoy moons’ shadows.
- Nov 29: New Moon — ideal for deep-sky targets like M31, M33, and the Pleiades.
Wrapping Up
November 2025 in Cork offers plenty for stargazers, from meteor showers and bright planetary pairings to autumn deep-sky favorites. Dark nights and clear skies make it an excellent month to grab a warm jacket, head outside, and explore the universe overhead.
Clear Skies.