Get Ready for the Northern Taurids Meteor Shower!
Are you ready for a celestial spectacle? The Northern Taurids meteor shower is about to light up the night sky, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss. This annual minor shower, known for its bright meteors, is set to peak this weekend, offering sky-gazers a chance to witness a dazzling display.
When to Watch the Northern Taurids
The Southern Taurids may have had their moment on November 5, but the Northern Taurids are just getting started. According to EarthSky, the peak viewing time will be around 7:21 p.m. ET Sunday. However, the show isn’t limited to just one night. The American Meteor Society suggests that peak activity will span a few nights before and after the main event.
Origin of the Taurid Meteor Showers
Both the Northern and Southern Taurids hail from the same parent comet, Encke. Typically, these showers produce about five meteors per hour. But don’t let the low rate fool you. These are no ordinary meteors. Bill Cooke, the lead of NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office, explains that the debris from Comet Encke can be up to 1 meter in diameter. This means that when Taurid meteors enter our atmosphere, they’re exceptionally bright—some even brighter than Venus!
How to Enjoy the Meteor Shower
If you’re planning to catch the Taurids, prepare for a long night. Cooke advises getting as comfortable as possible. Bring a sleeping bag or a cot, dress warmly, and be ready to spend hours under the stars. After midnight, in any time zone, is the best time to spot a meteor. Look towards the radiant constellation Taurus, which will be highest in the sky during the early morning hours.
Ideal Viewing Conditions
Luckily, the moon will be in its new moon phase, with only 2% illumination. This means the skies will be dark enough for optimal meteor-spotting conditions. The moon’s lack of brightness ensures it won’t interfere with the visibility of the meteors.
What to Expect in the Coming Years
While this year’s Taurid rates are on the lower side, the American Meteor Society has observed that every three or seven years, the Southern Taurids’ activity can double. The next “Taurid swarm” is predicted for 2025, which is expected to be an outburst of activity.
The Encke Complex and Taurid Debris
The Northern Taurids are believed to be debris from several asteroids that were once part of Comet Encke. These space rocks broke off tens of thousands of years ago. As the Encke Complex orbits the sun, it leaves a trail of debris. Earth’s orbit intersects with this path, resulting in the Taurid meteor showers.
Meteoroids, Meteors, and Meteorites
Occasionally, larger meteoroids, like those from the Taurids, can survive their journey through Earth’s atmosphere. If they reach the ground, they’re called meteorites. Cooke reassures that most meteoroids burn up well above our heads. The larger ones might break up and scatter small meteorites, but they’re unlikely to cause any damage. In fact, NASA estimates that about 48.5 tons of space debris fall on Earth daily. And if you find a meteorite, it’ll be cool to the touch—no need to worry about starting fires!
More Meteor Showers to Come in 2023
The Northern Taurids will continue to grace our skies until December 2. But if you’re eager for more cosmic events, here are the remaining meteor showers peaking in 2023:
- Leonids: November 17-18
- Geminids: December 13-14
- Ursids: December 21-22
Don’t Miss the Full Moons
Aside from meteor showers, there are also two full moons left to enjoy in 2023:
- Beaver Moon: November 27
- Cold Moon: December 26
Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a casual stargazer, the Northern Taurids meteor shower is a must-see event. So grab your blankets, find a dark spot away from city lights, and get ready for a night of cosmic wonder. Who knows, you might just make a wish upon a shooting star!
