Australian stargazers are in for a treat this week with not one, but two stunning meteor showers lighting up the night sky. Every year from September to November, the Taurid meteor showers deliver a spectacular display of bright fireballs, and right now, they’re at their peak.
The Southern Taurids kicked off the show with a dazzling peak last night, sending fiery trails across the sky. But don’t worry if you missed it—there’s another opportunity just around the corner. On November 12, the Northern Taurids are set to take center stage, giving stargazers a second chance to catch this rare phenomenon.
So, what exactly are the Northern Taurids? Both the Northern and Southern Taurids come from the same origin: the debris of Comet Encke, which orbits around the sun. When bits of this comet enter Earth’s atmosphere at around 104,000 km/h, they burn up and create bright streaks of light. Both meteor showers appear to come from separate points in the constellation Taurus, which is why they’re named the “Taurids.”
The best time to catch the Northern Taurids will be on the night of November 12, between midnight and the early morning hours before dawn. They’ll be visible across Australia, but if you’re hoping for the best views, it’s ideal to head out to a dark area, away from city lights. Rural spots will offer the clearest sights of this celestial display.
One more tip: the waning moon makes for better viewing since moonlight can wash out the meteors. So, get ready to enjoy the show, and if you miss this peak, there’s still a chance to spot both meteor showers into December, though they won’t be quite as bright.
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