In short
- The Orionid meteor shower peaks around 21 October 2026 and the Leonid meteor shower peaks around 17 November 2026.
- Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter will all be above the horizon before sunrise around 14 November 2026.
- November’s full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, reaches full phase on 24 November 2026 and is the first of four full moons classed as supermoons, running through to February 2027.
- The Pleiades star cluster lies about 440 light years from Earth in the constellation Taurus.
- Leonid meteors enter Earth’s atmosphere at about 70km per second, and under ideal dark-sky conditions around 10 to 15 an hour are visible at the shower’s peak.
Five night-sky events are due over the northern hemisphere’s autumn in 2026: the Pleiades star cluster, the Orionid meteor shower peaking around 21 October, a gathering of Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter on 14 November, the Leonid meteor shower peaking around 17 November, and a supermoon on 24 November.
What is the Pleiades and where can you see it?
The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, is a cluster of young stars around 440 light years from Earth, in the constellation Taurus. Despite the name, most people can see about six stars with the naked eye, while binoculars or a telescope reveal many more. The cluster becomes increasingly prominent as autumn nights lengthen and can be found towards the east.
When does the Orionid meteor shower peak?
The Orionids are active from early October into November and reach their peak around 21 October. They occur because Earth passes twice a year through trails of dust and debris left behind by Halley’s comet; the tiny particles heat up as they enter the atmosphere and produce streaks of light. The shower takes its name from the constellation Orion, from which the meteors appear to radiate. Finding a dark spot away from artificial light and allowing the eyes time to adjust gives the best chance of seeing them.
Which planets appear together on 14 November?
Early risers around 14 November will find Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter all above the horizon before sunrise. Mercury is likely to be the hardest to spot because it stays low in the sky and close to the glare of the rising sun, while Venus and Jupiter are among the brightest objects in the night sky and should be much easier to pick out.
How fast are the Leonids and when do they peak?
The Leonids are expected to peak around 17 November, travelling at about 70km per second as they enter Earth’s atmosphere, which makes them some of the fastest meteors visible from Earth. Under ideal dark-sky conditions, around 10 to 15 Leonids an hour can be seen at the peak, although the actual number depends on weather, light pollution and the brightness of the Moon. They radiate from the constellation Leo, and the best time to look is generally after midnight and before dawn, when Leo is higher in the sky.
What is the Beaver Moon supermoon?
November’s full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, reaches full phase on 24 November and will be a supermoon — a full Moon relatively close to Earth, making it appear slightly larger and brighter. The name is thought to come from the time of year when beavers were particularly active, preparing their lodges and storing food ahead of winter. It is the first of four full moons classed as supermoons, a run that continues to February 2027.
What could spoil the view?
Weather will shape what observers actually see. Skygazers in Britain can check the UK autumn forecast, which points to wetter and warmer conditions under El Niño, before heading outside.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Orionid meteors peak in 2026?
The Orionid meteor shower is active from early October into November and reaches its peak around 21 October 2026. The meteors are debris left behind by Halley’s comet and appear to radiate from the constellation Orion.
Which planets will be visible before sunrise on 14 November 2026?
Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter will all be above the horizon before sunrise around 14 November 2026. Mercury will be the most difficult to see because it remains low and close to the glare of the rising sun.
How many Leonid meteors can you see per hour?
Under ideal dark-sky conditions, around 10 to 15 Leonids an hour can be visible at the shower’s peak around 17 November. The number seen depends on weather, light pollution and the brightness of the Moon.
What is the Beaver Moon and when is it full?
The Beaver Moon is the name given to November’s full moon, which reaches full phase on 24 November 2026. It is also a supermoon, and the first of four full moons classed as supermoons through to February 2027.
With reporting from BBC News.
Stock image, not from the events described. Global Map — World Maps / Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)