What is a meteor shower?
Meteor showers are fascinating celestial events that occur annually, and you don’t need any special equipment to enjoy them. These spectacular sights are primarily caused by debris left behind by comets, and both the Southern and Northern Taurids originate from the same source: the remnants of comet Encke.
As space rocks enter Earth’s atmosphere, they encounter air resistance, which heats them up significantly. This intense heat causes the air around the meteor to glow, creating a brilliant trail of light that we see as a “shooting star.” These glowing trails can be visible in the night sky, with meteors varying in size from tiny dust particles to larger boulders.
The names of the Taurid showers derive from their apparent origin in different areas of the constellation Taurus, making them easily distinguishable in the night sky.
How to view a meteor shower
To catch the best view of meteor showers, it’s advised to look between midnight and dawn when the skies are typically dark and quiet. For an optimal viewing experience, find a spot that is away from city lights. Clear skies on moonless nights will enhance visibility, allowing the meteors to shine brightly.
Additionally, give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness; it’s best to refrain from looking at your phone during this time to increase your chances of spotting these celestial wonders.
Current meteor shower events
As of now, two sister meteor showers—the Southern and Northern Taurids—are currently lighting up our night skies and will reach their peaks a week apart. The Southern Taurids are set to peak early Tuesday morning, followed by the Northern Taurids on November 12.
While both meteor showers typically produce about five meteors per hour under ideal conditions, they are known for their striking fireballs, as noted by Sally Brummel, planetarium manager at the University of Minnesota’s Bell Museum. She explained, “What’s notable is that they may produce brighter and longer-lasting meteors than other showers, even if the frequency isn’t as high.”
Expect the Southern Taurids to peak on a night with a slim crescent moon, approximately 11% full, which should help visibility. In contrast, the Northern Taurids might be somewhat more challenging to observe due to a brighter moon at 79% full.
Both meteor showers will remain visible into December, providing ample opportunity for skywatchers to enjoy their stunning displays.
Following the Taurids, the Leonids meteor shower will be the next significant event, peaking on the early morning of November 17.
Additional Information
The Associated Press Health and Science Department is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group, with all content reported exclusively by the AP.
