The annual Taurid meteor shower is back and it’s a two-part shooting star spectacle. The first half, Southern Taurus, already occurred in September. But if you missed it, the northern Taurid meteor shower is here!
This event is known for its bright and impressive fireball meteors that light up the sky. Learn how to accurately observe the Taurid meteor shower and discover more about its origins.
When will the Taurid meteor shower occur in 2024?
The Northern Taurid meteor shower will peak on the night of November 11, 2024 in the UK, US, and other countries. This is the time to see the most fireball shooting stars.
In 2024, Taurus in the North will be active from October 20th to December 10th. The closer you are to the peak, the more shooting stars you will witness.
Where should I look to see a fireball?
You can see Taurid meteors streaking across the sky, so lie down and look up. The shooting stars originate from the constellation Taurus, visible in winter near Orion.
To locate Taurus, look towards Orion’s belt and find Aldebaran. Use astronomy apps for guidance and view from a location with minimal light pollution for the best experience.
How many meteors can you see?
Most years, the Taurid meteor shower is weak, with only a few meteors visible per night. However, there can be more under perfect conditions, with up to five meteors per hour. These meteors often produce dramatic fireballs.
The Taurid meteor shower is a gamble – each night can bring a few small meteors or a display of fireballs.
What causes the Taurid meteor shower?
The Taurid meteor shower originates from Comet Encke, with the northern variation likely from an Encke offshoot known as 2004 TG10. Earth passes through the remains of asteroid 2004 TG10, creating the spectacle we see in the sky.
Comet Encke is believed to be a fragment of a larger comet that broke up thousands of years ago.
read more:
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
