The Southern Taurid meteor shower is expected to peak this weekend, from November 5 to 6, 2023. The shower is known for producing bright fireballs, which are meteors that are brighter than Venus.
The Southern Taurids are active from September 20 to December 10 each year, but the peak is typically around November 5. The shower is caused by debris from Comet Encke, which orbits the Sun every 3.3 years.
To see the Southern Taurids, find a dark location away from city lights. Lie on your back and look up at the sky. The meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, but they will radiate from the constellation Taurus.
The Southern Taurids are one of the best meteor showers to observe because they are active for a long period of time and they produce bright fireballs. The shower is also visible from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Here are some tips for viewing the Southern Taurids meteor shower:
- Find a dark location away from city lights.
- Lie on your back and look up at the sky.
- The meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, but they will radiate from the constellation Taurus.
- Be patient. It may take some time to see a meteor.
If you are lucky enough to see a fireball, you can report it to the American Meteor Society. The AMS collects data on meteor showers to help astronomers learn more about them.
