Stargazers watch out for the celestial events this week as the mesmerizing conjunction of Venus and the crescent Moon will grace the early morning sky with their radiant presence. Not only that but there's the prospect of a minor meteor shower, adding to the celestial delights awaiting those who gaze upwards.
The Moon, Regulus, and Venus
The Moon somewhat plays a key role in this week's celestial highlights staring with the last quarter Moon of this year happening on November 5 at 8:37 UTC (2:37 a.m. CST). It rosearound midnight that same night and will set a few hours after 12 noon the next day.
On Monday, November 6, the Moon will reach apogee, the farthest point in its elliptical orbit around Earth, positioned at 251,387 miles (404,569 km) away at 22 UTC (4 p.m. CST).
In addition people from the northern hemisphere will have two opportunities to witness a waning crescent moon near Regulus, the brightest star in the Leo constellation. Both on November 6 and 7, a 40% and 31%-lit moon will rise in the east around 01:00 a.m., remaining visible throughout the night.
By approximately 03:00 a.m., the bright presence of Venus will emerge beneath the moon. Subsequently, on November 8 and 9, the waning crescent moon will approach the brilliantly luminous Venus, culminating in a striking conjunction on November 9, with the two celestial bodies appearing just 1 degree apart.
This event will be visible from various regions, including north Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, west Russia, Europe, parts of north Africa, the Middle East, and it presents an opportunity to attempt daytime Venus sightings.
Lastly, on November 10 and 11, 2023, the slender waning crescent moon will ascend in the eastern morning twilight before sunrise, accompanied by the presence of Venus and the bright star Spica. During these mornings, the unlit portion of the moon will exhibit the enchanting glow of earthshine, a reflection of Earth's light.
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Taurid Meteor Shower and Othe Celestial Events This Week
The Northern Taurid meteor shower, although not prolific, is known for producing luminous fireballs, with an approximate rate of five "shooting stars" per hour. This week offers optimal meteor-watching conditions, thanks to moonless night skies. The peak of the shower occurs after midnight when the skies are darkest, and the Taurus constellation is prominent in the southeastern direction.
As per the American Meteor Society, both the Northern Taurids and the Southern Taurids contribute to a surge in fireball sightings between September and November each year. Taurid meteor shower originate from Comet Enke, a 2.98-mile-wide celestial body with a three-year orbit around the Sun,
Meanwhile, some notable stars will also be visible this week. At approximately 10:00 p.m., at the eastern horizon witness some of the winter night sky's most dazzling and prominent stars.
High in the southeast isthe radiant presence of Jupiter, casting a brilliant glow, with the alluring open cluster, the Pleiades, adorning its left side. Just below isthe unmistakable Orion's Belt, gracefully ascending vertically. Orion's two most luminous stars are Betelgeuse, positioned to the left of the belt stars, and Rigel, gracing the right side.
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