November is poised to be an action-packed month for stargazers with a number of celestial events including excellent planet sightings and the final supermoon of 2024 on the horizon. Among the host of interstellar attractions is a stunning meteor shower that is set to illuminate Australian skies this week. The glittering Taurid meteor shower is known to treat skygazers to exceptionally bright fireball meteors and it is set to peak tonight. Here’s everything you need to know about the meteor shower and how to make the most of your stargazing experience.
Taurid meteor shower
Meteor showers occur when Earth travels through the debris left behind by a comet or asteroid as it orbits the sun, which is why meteor showers are usually observed around the same time each year, space.com says.
The Taurids have two showers: the northern and the southern, the latter of which can be seen throughout Australia this week. The southern Taurids run from September to December each year, peaking in November.
What are the Taurids?
Taurid meteors are typically slow-moving, but they can be very bright, producing around five visible meteors per hour if the viewing conditions are right. These showers occasionally produce stunning fireballs, which are not only very luminous but can also be quite colourful according to earthsky.org.
When can you see it?
The meteor shower is set to reach its peak tonight, November 5, into the early hours of Tuesday with optimal viewing conditions from 1am to 3am so keep your eyes on the skies post midnight. This year’s conditions are anticipated to be ideal with minimal light interference thanks to a slim crescent moon.
What are the best locations for viewing the meteor shower?
Sky gazers and astronomy enthusiasts around NSW are spoilt for choice with plenty of excellent spots to enjoy the night sky. A dark sky, minimal light pollution, and a moonless sky are key for the best viewing experience. For the best sightings, you could head to the Southern Hemisphere’s first-ever Dark Sky park right here in NSW which is well worth the long drive from Sydney. The town of Coonabarabran, which has been dubbed the astronomy capital of Australia is another prime spot for stargazing. For something closer to home, head to Palm Beach Headland, the first Urban Night Sky Place in the southern hemisphere, or the Blue Mountains that offer open, expansive views of the night skies.
Read more about the Taurid meteor shower on space.com.