November 2026 brings several opportunities to observe the night sky from Ibiza and Formentera, including three meteor showers, a close apparent encounter between Mars and Jupiter, a four-planet display before sunrise and November's full Supermoon. The month also offers darker skies around the New Moon, favourable conditions for looking for distant galaxies and nebulae, and an opportunity to observe Saturn through telescopes at a local astronomy event.

The most notable dates include the Northern Taurids around 11–12 November, the Leonids on the night of 17–18 November and the Beaver Supermoon on 24 November. Later in the month, Uranus reaches opposition, while Mercury approaches its greatest western elongation, making it easier to locate in the morning sky.

These events are astronomically observable from the Balearic Islands, although actual viewing conditions will depend on cloud cover, atmospheric clarity, light pollution and the position of each object above the horizon.

The Taurid Meteor Showers: 5 and 12 November

November begins with two meteor showers associated with the constellation Taurus: the Southern Taurids and the Northern Taurids.

The Southern Taurids reached their peak around the night of 4–5 November, while the Northern Taurids are expected to reach maximum activity around 11–12 November.

Both showers are relatively modest in activity, producing approximately five meteors per hour under ideal observing conditions. Their appeal, however, is not simply the number of meteors. The Taurids are known for occasionally producing exceptionally bright fireballs, which can create striking flashes across the night sky.

From Ibiza and Formentera, the best opportunity to observe them will be under clear, dark conditions, particularly after midnight as Taurus rises higher. No telescope or binoculars are needed to watch meteor showers. A wide, unobstructed view of the sky is preferable.

The quoted meteor rates are ideal estimates rather than guaranteed sightings. Actual numbers can be considerably lower, particularly from locations affected by artificial lighting.

New Moon: 9 November

The New Moon on 9 November will provide one of November's darkest periods for astronomical observation.

With little or no moonlight illuminating the sky, the nights around this date are particularly suitable for looking for faint celestial objects that can be difficult to distinguish when the Moon is bright.

Two interesting targets are the Orion Nebula, a region of gas and dust where stars are forming, and the Andromeda Galaxy, our nearest large neighbouring galaxy.

Both can be found with the help of an astronomy app or star chart. Binoculars can make them easier to locate, while a telescope provides a more detailed view. Their visibility from Ibiza will depend on atmospheric transparency and the darkness of the observing location.

Unlike a meteor shower, these objects are not limited to a single peak night. The darker conditions around the New Moon simply make them easier to seek out.

Four Planets in the Morning Sky: 13–22 November

One of the month's most interesting planetary displays will take place during the mornings between approximately 13 and 22 November.

Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter will appear across the morning sky at the same time. The planets will form an apparent alignment, stretching across a section of the sky rather than appearing in a perfectly straight line.

The best opportunity to see them will be before sunrise, looking towards the eastern and southeastern horizon from Ibiza.

Jupiter and Mars will be easier to identify because of their brightness. Venus will also stand out, while Mercury will be the more challenging object because it remains relatively close to the horizon and the approaching daylight.

An unobstructed horizon will be important, particularly when attempting to locate Mercury. Observers should also avoid pointing binoculars or telescopes towards the Sun.

Mars and Jupiter Approach Each Other: 15–16 November

Mars and Jupiter will provide another highlight during the middle of November, appearing unusually close together in the sky.

Their closest apparent approach is expected around 15–16 November, when the two planets will be separated by approximately 1.2 degrees.

The pairing will be visible before sunrise, towards the southeast, and both planets can be observed without specialist equipment.

Jupiter will appear considerably brighter, while Mars will have a more reddish appearance. Although they will look close from Earth's perspective, the planets will remain separated by enormous distances in space.

The event is a useful opportunity for anyone interested in identifying planets and following how their apparent positions change over successive mornings.

Noches de Estrellas at Cala d'Hort: 14 November

Ibiza residents and visitors will also have an opportunity to explore the night sky through a free guided astronomy observation organised by the Consell d'Eivissa in collaboration with the Agrupació Astronòmica d'Eivissa.

The next session in the Noches de Estrellas programme is scheduled for Saturday, 14 November, at 20:30 at the Ses Païsses de Cala d'Hort Observatory in Sant Josep.

The programme is designed to introduce participants to the main constellations and provide opportunities to observe celestial objects through telescopes, including nebulas, galaxies, other deep-sky objects and Saturn.

The session has a maximum capacity of 30 participants and is free, but advance registration is compulsory. The registration period runs from 6 to 8 November, beginning at 09:00 on 6 November. Places are allocated in the order that applications are received.

To register, send an email to visitapatrimoni@conselldeivissa.es with the full names of participants and a contact telephone number. A maximum of two people can normally be registered per request, except for simple family units.

Private vehicles are not permitted to access the observatory. A free bus transfer will depart from the Consell d'Eivissa headquarters at Avinguda d'Espanya 49 in Ibiza Town, one hour before the observation begins, and will return participants to the same location afterwards.

The activity is intended for people aged over six. As the observations take place outdoors, the programme remains subject to weather conditions and may be modified or cancelled if necessary.

The Leonid Meteor Shower: Night of 17–18 November

The Leonids are among November's best-known meteor showers and will reach their annual peak during the night of 17–18 November.

The shower is associated with comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, and its meteors are particularly fast, entering Earth's atmosphere at approximately 71 kilometres per second.

Under ideal conditions, the Leonids can produce around 15 meteors per hour. This is an estimated rate rather than a guaranteed number, and the actual display from Ibiza may be more modest.

The most favourable viewing period will be after midnight and during the early hours of 18 November. The Moon will set around midnight, allowing darker conditions during the later part of the night.

The Leonids appear to originate from the direction of the constellation Leo, but meteors can cross many different parts of the sky. It is therefore better to observe a wide area rather than concentrate exclusively on the constellation itself.

No telescope or binoculars are required. Find a dark location, allow approximately 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the darkness and avoid looking at bright phone screens.

Although the Leonids are historically associated with spectacular meteor storms, no extraordinary storm is forecast for 2026. The expected activity is around the shower's usual annual level.

Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation: Around 20 November

Mercury will reach its greatest western elongation around 20 November, when it appears at its largest angular separation from the Sun in the morning sky.

This is one of the more favourable opportunities to locate the planet, which is often difficult to observe because it never appears very far from the Sun from Earth's perspective.

During this period, Mercury will be visible before sunrise, low above the southeastern horizon. Venus will also be nearby in the morning sky and will appear much brighter.

Observers in Ibiza should look for a clear, unobstructed horizon and begin observing while the sky is still relatively dark.

The greatest elongation is an astronomical position, not a guarantee of easy visibility. Atmospheric conditions, the planet's altitude and the approaching sunrise will all influence how clearly it can be seen.

Beaver Supermoon: 24 November

The full Moon on 24 November will be November's Beaver Supermoon, one of the month's easiest astronomical events to enjoy without specialist equipment.

A supermoon occurs when a full Moon takes place relatively close to the Moon's perigee, the point in its orbit when it is nearest to Earth. This can make the Moon appear somewhat larger and brighter than an average full Moon, although the difference can be subtle to the naked eye.

The traditional name Beaver Moon comes from North American seasonal naming traditions associated with November.

From Ibiza and Formentera, the Moon will be visible provided the weather allows. Watching it rise near the horizon can be particularly attractive. The Moon may appear unusually large at this point because of the well-known Moon illusion, a visual effect that makes the lunar disc seem larger when viewed close to the horizon.

No telescope or binoculars are necessary to enjoy the event.

Uranus at Opposition: 25 November

Uranus will reach opposition on 25 November, placing Earth between the planet and the Sun from an observational perspective.

At opposition, a planet rises around sunset and remains visible for much of the night, making this a favourable period for observation.

However, Uranus is considerably fainter than the planets that can be easily identified with the naked eye. Although it may be detectable under exceptionally dark skies by experienced observers, binoculars or a telescope are recommended.

The planet can be sought in the region of the constellation Taurus, near the Pleiades star cluster. An astronomy app or star chart will help distinguish it from the surrounding stars.

Opposition is also a useful time for astronomers because the planet is relatively well positioned for observation throughout the night.

More Planetary Encounters Towards the End of November

The final days of the month will bring further apparent encounters between the Moon and several celestial objects.

Around 24 November, the Moon will appear near the Pleiades star cluster. On 25–26 November, it will also be close to the region of Taurus, where the stars Aldebaran and Betelgeuse can be found.

On 30 November, the Moon will once again appear close to Mars and Jupiter, with Regulus also in the same general region of the sky.

These are apparent alignments rather than physical encounters. The objects involved remain separated by very different distances, but their positions from Earth's perspective create attractive groupings in the night sky.

How to Get the Best Views of November's Night Sky in Ibiza

Ibiza and Formentera offer opportunities for astronomical observation throughout the year, but finding a suitable location can make a significant difference.

For meteor showers, choose a dark area away from streetlights, buildings and other sources of artificial illumination. Allow your eyes time to adapt, avoid bright screens and give yourself a wide view of the sky.

For planets close to the horizon, look for an open view in the correct direction. Mercury, in particular, can be difficult to locate once daylight begins to brighten the sky.

For galaxies, nebulas and fainter objects, the nights around the New Moon offer better conditions. Binoculars or a telescope can help reveal objects that are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye.

Always check the local weather forecast before planning an observation. Cloud cover, rain and atmospheric haze can make even the most promising astronomical event impossible to see.

November offers several reasons to look upwards from Ibiza, from the occasional bright fireball of the Taurids to the Leonids, the planetary encounters and the full Supermoon. With a little planning and a clear sky, many of these events can be enjoyed without professional equipment.