Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Nigel Henbest

Stargazing in November: A sky of heavenly shenanigans

NASA/JPL/University of Arizona

You can’t miss brilliant Mars over in the east, its warm colour cheering up these dank November evenings. The Red Planet is currently moving slowly but surely against the stars that form the familiar constellation of Taurus (the Bull). Early astronomers around the world knew that planets like Mars are restless inhabitants of the night sky, and the word “planet” actually derives from the Greek for “wanderer”.

If you’re keeping more than a casual eye on Mars, though, you’ll notice its path through the heavens has changed. For months the red planet has been moving right to left, but a few days ago it ground to a halt, and Mars is now travelling from left to right across the sky.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.