Every fall, the Taurid meteor showers light up the night sky, offering a spectacular display of shooting stars and fireballs. This year, the Southern Taurids began on September 20 and will continue until November 20, with peak activity expected around November 4 to 5. These meteors are remnants of debris from Comet 2P/Encke, burning up in Earth’s atmosphere to create bright streaks of light. The Northern Taurids will start on October 20, overlapping with the Southern Taurids and peaking on November 11 to 12. With only 22 percent of the moon illuminated during the Southern Taurids’ peak, viewing conditions are favorable. To enjoy the show, find a dark spot away from city lights, let your eyes adjust, and look up after midnight when the constellation Taurus is high in the sky.
QUESTION: How might witnessing a meteor shower inspire you to learn more about space and the universe?
See the Taurids light up the fall sky with brilliant shooting stars
