Southern Taurids Meteor Shower: When and How to Watch
The Southern Taurids meteor shower has begun and will last until 20 November. Its peak is expected on the night of 5 November, with favourable viewing conditions this year.
The Southern Taurids meteor shower is already visible in the night sky and will continue until 20 November. According to "Prozoro", a large number of meteors should not be expected, but the shower can still surprise observers with bright fireballs that slowly cross the sky.
When to watch
According to the American Meteor Society, slightly more of the regular meteors will be visible on the night of 14 October. The shower's activity peaks on the night of 5 November, when roughly five to ten meteors per hour can be seen. The Northern Taurids will join the Southern Taurids later on.
What makes them special
The Southern Taurids originate from debris of the comet 2P/Encke. They enter Earth's atmosphere at about 27 kilometres per second, so they burn up more slowly and can produce notable flashes.
Viewing conditions and tips
Conditions should be favourable this year: the sky will be moonless on the night of 14 October, and on 5 November the Moon will be only 18% illuminated.
Although the meteors appear to come from the constellation Taurus, they can in fact show up anywhere in the sky. Astronomers advise going as far as possible from city lights and choosing an open location. The naked eye is enough, since binoculars or a telescope narrow the field of view.
Meteors can be seen in both hemispheres, though conditions are usually better in the Northern Hemisphere.
