For those who do not know this shower in itself while only expected to send about 10-15 meteors per hour, we could have an outburst. You see, sometimes the Lyrid shower can send out as much as 100 meteors per hour. While not expected to happen this time around, it still could.
The Night Sky This Week: Nov. 4-10, 2024
This week offers a stunning celestial show, with Venus and a delicate crescent moon taking center stage for three consecutive evenings after sunset. Tuesday promises the most spectacular view, as the “Evening Star” will shine brightly next to the moon, whose dark side will be subtly illuminated by Earthshine—light reflected off Earth’s oceans and ice. Additionally, there’s the potential for some fireballs, and possibly even intense Northern Lights. If you have binoculars handy, it’s also your last chance to catch a glimpse of a departing comet before it leaves the inner solar system.
Here’s your guide to sky-watching and stargazing highlights for the week:
Monday, Nov. 4: Venus and a Crescent Moon
As Venus establishes itself as the brilliant “Evening Star,” it graces the western sky after sunset. Tonight, the moon will be a slender 10% crescent positioned below and to the left of Venus. Although the thin crescent and low horizon placement may make it challenging to spot, don’t worry—there are two more opportunities to witness this pairing in the coming days.