Derekscope

Algol
The bright variable Star Algol
reaches minimum brightness.
(23:07 / 11.07pm)
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• The bright variable Star Beta Persei (Algol) reaches minimum brightness.
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• This variable star in Perseus varies from its brightest at magnitude +2.1, dropping to +3.4.
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• Even when dimmed, Algol is still visible to the naked eye.
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• Here’s a list of upcoming minimum brightness times for Algol that are well-placed for UK observers in November 2025.
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• Read more – Algol
  – How to find Algol in Perseus?
  – Deaf astronomer John Goodricke

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Algol Minima

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• The bright variable star Beta Persei (Algol) reaches its minimum brightness at 02:19 am in the early morning on Tuesday 25th November and will be visible from the UK.
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• Here’s a list of upcoming minimum brightness times for Algol – read more.

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Ganymede’s shadow on Jupiter

• On the night of Monday 24th into the early hours of Tuesday 25th November 2025, Ganymede’s shadow will transit across Jupiter’s disc, creating a striking celestial event visible from parts of Earth.
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• Use a telescope with decent magnification to spot the shadow ~ it appears as a crisp, dark dot against Jupiter’s bright surface.
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Algol Minima

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• The bright variable star Beta Persei (Algol) reaches its minimum brightness at 02:19 am in the early morning on Tuesday 25th November and will be visible from the UK.
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• Here’s a list of upcoming minimum brightness times for Algol – read more.

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Algol
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• The bright variable star Beta Persei (Algol) reaches its minimum brightness at 05:29 am in the early morning on Saturday 22nd November and will be visible from the UK.
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• Here’s a list of upcoming minimum brightness times for Algol – read more.

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Titan transits Saturn tonight

• Tonight offers a stunning view: Titan hovering near the curve of Saturn’s rings.
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• Astrophotography opportunity to glimpse Titan near Saturn’s rings.
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Here’s a guide to star-hopping your way to Uranus

• Uranus reaches opposition on 21st November at 12.17pm.
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• Uranus is closest to Earth for the year around 1.7 billion miles away.
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• You’ll likely need binoculars to spot it, so use nearby stars as guideposts to ‘hop’ your way to Uranus.
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• Because it’s a dim planet, binoculars or a telescope are recommended, and star-hopping from Messier 45 (The Pleiades) in the constellation Taurus can help you locate it.
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• Mercury reaches inferior solar conjunction on Thursday 20th November 2025 at 09:19am, becoming unobservable as it passes between Earth and the Sun.
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• Mercury is completely unobservable for several weeks due to solar glare.
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• Mercury will re-emerge in the pre-dawn sky in early December, becoming a morning object.
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• So wait until mid-December when Mercury gains altitude and separation from the Sun for safe and rewarding observation.
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The Moon at apogee

• The Moon reaches apogee at a distance of 252,706 miles from Earth at 02:46 /2.46am.
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Look up! The Moon and Venus shine side by side tonight.

• This pairing will be a treat for early risers in Milton Keynes and across the UK.
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• They’ll be close to the horizon, so find a clear, unobstructed view – like a hilltop or open field.
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• Use binoculars to catch the Moon’s earthshine.
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