In November 2015, a meteor from the Taurid meteor showers streaked across the night sky over Brkini, Slovenia. Now, in 2023, sky-gazers have an enticing opportunity to witness the peak of the Southern Taurids this weekend. To stay updated on the latest scientific discoveries and advancements, sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter.
The Southern Taurid meteors have been illuminating the night sky since late September, but the best chance to catch a glimpse will be around the peak on Sunday, November 5, at 8:47 p.m. ET. While the frequency of Southern Taurid meteors is typically five meteors per hour, these meteors are known for their brightness, often appearing as fireballs brighter than Venus, according to NASA. The stunning display makes them a captivating sight for those fascinated by the transitory wonders of the night sky.
To have the best opportunity to see a meteor, it is recommended to go outside after midnight in any time zone. While NASA’s meteor cameras have been capturing just one or two Taurids a night so far, the enchanting event promises to be even more exciting during the peak. The nearly half-full moon at 44% illumination may cause some interference when viewing fainter meteors, but since the Taurids are exceptionally bright, the moon should not obstruct the experience.
When observing the Southern Taurids, it is crucial to gaze upwards and take in as much sky as possible. Using a telescope is not recommended for meteor showers due to the limited field of view. These meteors, originating from Comet Encke, offer a unique spectacle due to their larger size, with some meteoroids measuring up to 1 meter (3 feet) in length. However, most meteoroids disintegrate in Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the ground, resulting in smaller meteorites that do not pose any danger.
This year’s Southern Taurid meteor shower is expected to produce lower rates compared to 2022, when a phenomenon called the Taurid swarm occurred. The swarm, caused by Jupiter’s gravity, concentrated the debris in front of Earth’s path, leading to higher meteor rates. However, sky-watchers should not lose hope, as surprises can always happen.
Following the peak, meteors from the Southern Taurids will continue to grace the sky until December 8. Additionally, the Northern Taurids, which have been active since mid-October, will reach their peak on November 12, offering another opportunity for celestial observation.
If the peak activity of the Taurids ignites your curiosity for more meteor showers, there are several other upcoming events to look forward to this year:
- Leonids: November 17-18
- Geminids: December 13-14
- Ursids: December 21-22
Furthermore, mark your calendars for the remaining full moons in 2023:
- November 27: Beaver moon
- December 26: Cold moon
