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Here’s how to watch the Northern Taurids meteor shower tonight

by November 12, 2024

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According to the American Meteor Society, a large meteor shower is expected to peak Monday and Tuesday evening, giving skywatchers a second chance to see the annual Taurid meteor shower this month.

Important facts

The Northern Taurids, which became active last month, will peak on Monday and Tuesday evenings this week as Earth crosses debris left by Comet Encke – a periodic comet that orbits the Sun once every 3.3 years .

After their peak, the Northern Taurids will remain active until December 2nd.

The Northern Taurids are visible almost everywhere in the world except Antarctica, although NASA says the Taurids only produce about five meteors per hour.

Unfortunately for those hoping to see the meteors, the moon will be 79% full Monday evening and will continue to brighten this week ahead of Friday’s full moon, according to the American Meteor Society, brightening the sky and increasing visibility Northern Taurids reduced.

However, what will appeal to observers during the peak on Monday and Tuesday evening are the Taurid meteorites’ large size, brightness and ability to penetrate deeper into the Earth’s atmosphere before burning up compared to other meteor showers, according to NASA.

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What’s the best way to see the meteor shower?

If you want to catch a glimpse of the meteors, you should do so after midnight from areas with as little light pollution as possible. NASA advises viewers to look at the sky while lying down and wait at least 30 minutes for their eyes to adjust to the darkness. The meteors should appear near the constellation Taurus in the northeastern sky.

Important background

The Northern Taurids will occur just over a week after the Southern Taurids peak earlier this month. Both showers were dubbed the “Taurid Swarm” by NASA because the astrological events were weak in most years. Taurid showers last from September to December, but usually peak in late October and early November. The Taurids are part of a larger group of meteor showers expected to occur in the coming months, which includes the Leonids (November 18), Geminids (December 13), Ursids (December 22) and Quadrantids (January 2).

Further reading

A ‘Halloween Fireball’ Meteor Shower Will Peak This Weekend – Here’s How to Watch (Forbes)

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