The biggest Supermoon in nearly 70 years is happening this weekend: where and when to watch
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By:
Oscar Contreras
Posted at 8:38 PM, Nov 10, 2016
and last updated2016-11-12 21:48:34-05
DENVER -- Are you ready to look up at the sky this week and next, Colorado? You better be, as not one, not two, but three astronomical events will take place this November -- and one of them hasn't been seen for nearly 70 years!
Taurid Meteor Shower
Point your camera or better yet, your telescope and your eyes to the south on Nov. 11, specifically toward the constellation Taurus (the bull) for our first meteor shower of the month.
You can expect to catch 10 to 15 meteors per hour streaking through the heavens, according to Scripps weather reporter Jason Meyers.
Weather conditions are expected to be just right -- with clear to partially clear skies for this viewing event.
The Beaver Supermoon
You better grab grandpa or grandma for this one -- they probably haven't seen a moon quite like this for a really long time.
On Nov. 13 and 14, the Beaver Supermoon will move through the sky from east to west, rising over the horizon just after sunset that Sunday night.
In Denver, the moon will technically be completely full and big at 6:52 a.m. on Nov. 14, so the early morning hours before sunrise will be the best time to see it, according to First Alert Weather Meteorologist Stacey Donaldson.
But -- the moon will actually be closer to us on Nov. 13 overnight because of its path -- so really, make sure to watch the night of Nov. 13 going into the early hours of Nov. 14.
Our partners at The Denver Post say the best time to watch will be between 5 and 6 p.m. Sunday night, when looking east.
The world hasn't seen a supermoon like this since 1948 ... and it will be the largest we will see again until 2034!
The full moon for this month is called a Beaver Moon because this is the month typically when beaver traps are set, Meyers says.
Leonid Meteor Shower
To wrap it up, you'll get a chance to view the Leonid Meteor Shower which will peak by Nov. 16 and 17.
The moon will be just below the horizon by midnight, allowing for optimal viewing conditions, depending on cloud cover.
Between 10 to 20 shooting stars will be visible per hour in the early morning hours over the east horizon, Meyer says.
Where to go for the optimal viewing experience near Denver
Castlewood Canyon: Although the trails of the Canyon close to the public at 9 p.m., the general Canyon area is the perfect candidate to avoid light pollution.
Rist Canyon near Fort Collins: Fort Collins' Rist Canyon is a great candidate for stargazing.
Boulder Canyon: Getting away from the lights in Boulder might be trickier than it seems, but Boulder Canyon should be a great place to do so.
Aurora Reservoir: Close to the metro area and picturesque, this location is far enough away from Denver and Aurora to see the beautiful meteor shower -- so long as clouds cooperate.
