November 2025 Sky Highlights: Leonid Meteor Shower and Full Hunter’s Supermoon
Stargazers have two major celestial events to look forward to in November 2025. The Leonid meteor shower reaches its peak in the middle of the month, while a full hunter’s supermoon—expected to be the brightest and largest full moon of the year—illuminates the sky at the month’s end.
The Leonids, which originate from debris left by comet Tempel‑Tuttle, typically produce bright, fast‑moving meteors that appear to radiate from the constellation Leo. In 2025, the shower’s peak activity is forecast for the night of November 17‑18, with observers able to see up to 15–20 meteors per hour under dark, clear conditions. The best viewing window occurs after midnight, when the radiant point rises higher in the sky. Light‑polluted areas will still benefit from a brief glance, though the most impressive displays are expected in regions with minimal artificial illumination.
Later in the month, the full hunter’s supermoon will rise on the evening of November 29 and remain visible throughout the night. A supermoon occurs when the Moon’s orbit brings it closest to Earth, making its apparent diameter roughly 14 percent larger and its brightness about 30 percent greater than a typical full moon. Because this particular full moon aligns with the Moon’s position in the zodiac sign of Leo, astronomers have dubbed it the “hunter’s” supermoon, a nod to the lion’s symbolic association with the hunter.
Both events are free to the public and require only modest preparation. Experts advise observers to find a dark site away from city lights, allow their eyes to adjust for at least 20 minutes, and use a comfortable reclining position for extended viewing. No special equipment is necessary, though a wide‑field binoculars can enhance the Leonid meteors, and a simple lunar calendar can help locate the supermoon’s rise time.
Local authorities and park services in several national parks plan to keep observation areas open after dark, and many astronomy clubs will host public viewing sessions. The combined spectacle offers an opportunity for educators to highlight the dynamics of cometary debris, lunar orbital mechanics, and the cultural significance of lunar phases. With clear skies, November 2025 promises a memorable night for anyone interested in the wonders of the night sky.
