November 2025 Sky Highlights: Leonid Meteor Shower and Full Hunter’s Supermoon
Stargazers across North America and Europe can look forward to two notable celestial events in November 2025: the Leonid meteor shower and a full Hunter’s supermoon. The supermoon, which will reach its closest approach to Earth on November 14, is expected to be the brightest and largest full moon of the year, while the Leonid meteor shower peaks on the night of November 17-18, offering a chance to see up to 20 meteors per hour under dark skies.
The Hunter’s supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with the Moon’s perigee, the point in its orbit nearest to Earth. At perigee, the Moon appears about 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than a typical full moon. Astronomers note that the November supermoon will rise at approximately 5:00 a.m. local time, making it visible in the early pre‑dawn sky for observers in the western United States and the eastern seaboard.
The Leonid meteor shower, an annual event linked to debris left by comet Tempel‑Tuttle, traditionally produces bright, fast‑moving meteors that streak across the sky in the direction of the constellation Leo. In 2025, the shower’s peak activity is forecast for the early hours of November 18, when the radiant will rise high in the southern sky for mid‑latitude observers. Weather forecasts suggest a mix of clear and partly cloudy conditions across much of the continent, so astronomers advise enthusiasts to seek locations away from city lights and to allow at least an hour of observation for optimal results.
Officials from local astronomy clubs and park services are planning public viewing events, including guided sky‑watching sessions and educational talks about lunar cycles and meteor science. “These events provide an excellent opportunity for the public to engage with astronomy in a hands‑on way,” a spokesperson for a regional observatory said. Experts also remind observers to bring warm clothing, a comfortable chair, and a red‑light flashlight to preserve night vision.
Looking ahead, the combination of a striking supermoon and a reliable meteor shower offers a memorable night for both casual observers and seasoned astronomers. While the supermoon will dominate the early morning sky, the Leonids will provide a brief but spectacular display later in the night, underscoring November’s reputation as a month of notable astronomical activity.
