Star Column

This column run by Shani Grounds is meant to pique the interest of those who enjoy reading about cosmic activity. This column features monthly astronomical events, and monthly astrological readings and predictions.

astronomy section

By Shani Grounds

This section of the column is meant to encourage people to appreciate and connect with nature. One way to accomplish this is simply through staring up at the night sky. Stargazing may also act as a stress reliever, evoking a pleasant feeling that brings calmness to the mind and body. If you are a beginner at stargazing, here are some simple tips to get you started:

Check the weather forecast. Before you find a spot to start stargazing, make sure to check the weather forecast. If the night sky is blocked by clouds, this will significantly decrease your visibility.
Stay away from light pollution. This includes lights caused by street lamps, cars, and buildings. This light pollution makes it more difficult to clearly see the night sky.
Be patient. If you are looking to see a meteor shower or other astronomical events, patience is key!
Get comfortable. It can get pretty chilly overnight no matter what season it is, so make sure you bundle up!

astronomy events in november

November 4 - New Moon

The moon will not be visible in the night sky because it will be on the same side of the Earth as the sun. This will be the best time of the month to stargaze because there will be no moonlight to interfere.

In 2015, the Taurids put on a spectacular display of fireballs which lasted many days.Photographer Jeff Dai captured this one over Yamdrok Lake in Tibet.

November 4, 5 - Taurids Meteor Shower

The Taurids meteor shower occurs once a year in October and November in the Northern Hemisphere. Many meteor showers have relatively strong peaks, but the Taurids meteor shower is unique because it occurs steadily for weeks. The Taurids meteor shower is caused by the Earth travelling through debris from Comet Encke. It produces about 5-10 meteors per hour. According to Sea and Sky, the Taurids meteor shower’s peak is on the night of November 4 and the morning of the 5th. This is around the same time of the New Moon, which leaves the night sky dark and unlit by the moon.

November 5 - Uranus at Opposition

This planet will be closest to Earth and will be illuminated by the sun, making it the best time of the year to view this planet using a powerful telescope. Unfortunately, even with a powerful telescope, it will only appear as a tiny blue-green dot.

November 17, 18 - Leonids Meteor Shower

The Leonids meteor shower occurs once a year, from November 6 to November 30th. It usually produces about 15 meteors per hour, making it more rapid than the Taurids. The Leonids meteor shower is caused by Earth travelling through debris from Comet Tempel-Tuttle. This meteor shower is unique because it has an extreme peak every 33 years, when hundreds of meteor showers per hour are produced. This last occurred in 2001, which means that it will most likely happen again in the year 2034. Unfortunately, the moon will almost be full at this time of the month in 2021, making it more difficult to catch a glimpse of this meteor shower. However, it is still possible!

James Younger sent in this photo during the 2015 peak of the Leonid meteor shower. It’s a meteor over the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest.

November 19 - Full Moon & Partial Lunar Eclipse

The moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the sun, and will be fully illuminated. The moon will also partially pass through Earth's shadows, penumbra and umbra. A part of the moon will be darkened.

Astrology Section

NOTE: Keep in mind that astrology, which is the study of how the positions of stars influences human affairs, has been defined as pseudoscience, which means that it has no scientific validity and has been rejected by the scientific community. However, it is still interesting to consider and read about!

This section of the column is meant to inform people about astrology, with a focus on zodiac signs. Personally, I like to compare monthly zodiac sign predictions to Chinese fortune cookies; there is a strong chance that the prediction will be incorrect. However, it is still fun to read!

Astrology is the belief that each person’s birthday is associated with a specific zodiac sign, which allegedly determines personality, future, and direction in life. These zodiac signs are listed as Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. These 12 zodiac signs are also sub-categorized into 4 zodiac elements. The fire element corresponds to Aries, Sagittarius, and Leo. The water element corresponds to Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. The air element corresponds to Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini. Finally, the earth element corresponds to Cancer, Taurus, and Virgo. These 4 zodiac elements also represent certain personality traits. Keep reading to find out more about your zodiac sign and to reveal your monthly prediction!

november 2021 predictions

**ALL PREDICTIONS TAKEN FROM & INSPIRED BY SUNSIGNS.ORG, WISEHOROSCOPE.ORG, AND YEARLY-HOROSCOPE.ORG**

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

This will be your month of rejuvenation and rebirth. You will enter a rewarding phase, and you will be guaranteed to move forward and make progress towards your goals. You will be very satisfied with your rewards, especially financially. Mars, your planet of action and desire will join the Sun in Scorpio on the 11th. This means that you will be filled with determination, becoming one with your passion.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

You will be dominated by your social life as Mercury, the planet of communication, cycles into Sagittarius on the 2nd until January 10. Jupiter, your guardian angel planet, will be in Libra, the sign of cooperation and teamwork. This means that you will experience lots of support from many people.

Capricorn (December 21-January 20)

You are most likely pleased with yourself at the moment. You deserve a raise or a promotion at your current job, or some sort of credibility for your hard work. You want to assume greater responsibility, so you may want to look for a new job.

Aquarius (January 21-February 18)

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

You are currently trying to discover the real you because you are in a creative reawakening. Planet Uranus will put you at the center of change, and you will more easily express your uniqueness and individuality this month. You will show more disapproval towards those that do not appreciate your distinctiveness from others.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Your interactions with others will intensify as the Scorpio Sun travels through your chart. You are usually prepared to go through life alone, because others usually struggle to keep up with your pace. However, you will discover that it is much more fulfilling to align with others.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Normally, you avoid confrontations, but this month you may realize that you wish for a closer, intimate relationship. To accomplish this, you must face your fears. If you do this, you will be rewarded.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Lately, you have been hit with hard struggles in life, forcing you to surrender. This is because Pluto, the planet of power, has been on the opposite side of your Sun in Gemini. However, things will change starting the 12th, due to the Sun, Mars, and the New Moon. You will be encouraged to change your life and take better care of yourself.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

You have been forced to take great responsibility for your actions and emotions because Saturn, the planet of responsibility and discipline, has been in Cancer since August. Saturn will retrograde (move backwards in orbit) on the 8th, and you will be given more opportunities to support yourself.

Leo (July 23, August 22)

You are usually fun-loving and outgoing by nature. However, with the Sun and Mars in Scorpio cycling in your house of foundations, you will feel more private and reflective. You will enjoy the privacy of your home, and the time given to reflect on your life. It will be a good idea to find a hobby as an outlet for the intense energy emitting from Mars. Spending time with your family will bring happiness and joy.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

You have been focusing too much on every little detail, without much time to step back and reflect. Mercury, your guardian angel planet, will leave Scorpio’s determination energy. Mercury will then journey into optimistic and enthusiastic Sagittarius on the 4th. With this, you will be able to find the bigger picture, meaning, and purpose by the Full Moon on the 19th in Gemini.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

You will appreciate relationships, teamwork, and cooperation as Jupiter, the planet of growth and expansion, will travel in your sign. You will finally reap what you have sown; all of your hard work will pay off. Venus, your guardian angel planet, will be in Libra until the 22nd, and then will travel into Scorpio. People will show up to show their support for you and to help you achieve your dreams.

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