November 2026 Edition
Exploring the November Sky Ice giants, astronomy and new possibilities.
November brings longer nights and fresh opportunities to explore the Universe. This edition takes us to the distant ice giants Uranus and Neptune, introduces the pleasures of binocular astronomy, explores camera lenses and astrophotography, and considers whether life elsewhere must resemble life on Earth.
November Cover Feature
Uranus: The Ice Giant on Its Side
Discover one of the Solar System’s most unusual planets. From its extraordinary sideways rotation to its icy atmosphere, faint rings and distant moons, Uranus is a world unlike any other.
Explore Uranus →November Planetary Feature
Neptune: The Solar System’s Distant Blue World
Travel to the outer reaches of the Solar System and discover Neptune, a remote ice giant with powerful winds, a mysterious atmosphere and a fascinating collection of moons.
Discover Neptune →Beginner Astronomy
Binocular Astronomy
You don’t need a telescope to enjoy the night sky. Discover how binoculars can reveal beautiful star clusters, lunar detail and other remarkable sights.
Explore with binoculars →Astrophotography
Upgrading Your Camera Lens
Do you really need another camera lens to improve your astrophotography? Discover what your existing equipment can achieve and when an upgrade might be worthwhile.
Do you need to upgrade? →The Editor’s Thoughts
Does Life Have to Be Carbon-Based?
Could life elsewhere in the Universe be fundamentally different from life on Earth? From carbon chemistry to Saturn’s moon Titan, we consider some extraordinary possibilities.
Read the Editor’s Thoughts →November Night Sky
What’s Up in November 2026?
Discover November’s observing highlights, including the Northern Taurid and Leonid meteor showers, Mercury in the morning sky and Uranus at opposition.
Explore November’s night sky →November Take a Tip
Is Your Astronomy Equipment Insured?
Before taking your telescope, camera or mount away from home, check your insurance cover. A few simple precautions could save you an expensive surprise.
Read November’s tip →About the Magazine
About Exploring The Night Sky
Find out more about Exploring The Night Sky, why the site was created and the experience behind its astronomy guides, equipment advice and monthly features.
About the magazine →Previous Editions
Magazine Archive
Missed an earlier edition? Browse previous issues of Exploring The Night Sky and revisit our observing guides, features, reviews and astrophotography articles.
Browse previous editions →Leonid meteor photograph: Navicore / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 3.0 . Image cropped for the magazine cover.