Monday, November 10, 2025
This morning, the Moon and Jupiter will meet in conjunction, appearing less than 4 degrees apart in the southern sky. The moon will shine in a waning gibbous phase, and the pair will be visible near the bright stars Castor and Pollux in Gemini the Twins.
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
On this date in 1966, Gemini 12 was launched from Cape Canaveral, with astronauts Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin and James Lovell aboard. This last flight of the Gemini program tested more rendezvous methods and extravehicular activities (EVAs, or ‘spacewalks’) in preparation for the start of the final push to the Moon: the Apollo program.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
This morning, the Northern Taurid meteor shower will reach its peak. Active each year from October 20 through December 10, the shower is expected to create up to 12 meteors per hour (ZHR) at the peak. Best observing will be from a dark location in the early morning hours.
Thursday, November 13, 2025
On this date in 1971, Mariner-9, the first human-made object to orbit another planet, entered Martian orbit. The mission of the unmanned craft was to return photographs mapping 70% of the surface, and to study the planet’s thin atmosphere, clouds, and hazes, together with its surface chemistry and seasonal changes.
Friday, November 14, 2025
On this date in 1930, astronaut Edward H. White II was born. White was the first United States astronaut to perform a spacewalk in 1965 aboard Gemini 4. In 1967, White was one of the three-man crew of Apollo 1 who would perish in a fire during a flight simulation.
Saturday, November 15, 2025
On this date in 1988, the Soviet Union launched its first space shuttle, Buran (“Snowstorm”), on its first and only orbital flight. The unmanned flight was limited to two orbits lasting 206 minutes before reentry and a safe automatic touchdown at Tyuratum. The program’s funding was cut and the program eventually canceled in 1993.
Sunday, November 16, 2025
On this date in 1972, Skylab IV was launched on an 84-day mission. The astronauts aboard Skylab would perform numerous experiments and tests that would lay the groundwork for future long-term missions like the International Space Station. After 1214 orbits of Earth, the crew returned on February 8, 1974.
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