Science & Tech · Space · 2 hrs ago
Northern Taurids peak with dark skies offering good viewing
The Northern Taurid meteor shower is reaching its annual peak this week as Earth passes through debris left by an asteroid.
The shower is active from October 20 to December 10 and usually produces about five meteors an hour.
Wednesday night into early Thursday is expected to offer good viewing, because a thin crescent moon will leave the sky mostly dark.
The meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, though they seem to come from the Taurus constellation.
Some Taurid debris creates bright fireballs that can outshine Venus.
Scientists study the stream to learn whether it contains objects that could pose a risk to Earth, but the monitoring is precautionary, not a sign of an imminent threat.
Researchers are also preparing to observe a particularly dense Taurid shower in 2032.
The Northern Taurid meteor shower is expected to offer good viewing Wednesday night into early Thursday, with little moonlight.
Its peak activity is forecast for 1 p.m. ET Thursday, although the best viewing is expected overnight.
The shower typically produces about five meteors per hour, and the rate can double while it overlaps with the Southern Taurids.
The Taurids are known for bright fireballs, which can outshine Venus.
Researchers study the Taurid debris stream to assess whether it contains objects that could pose a risk to Earth.
- Who
- People hoping to watch the Northern Taurid meteor shower, and researchers studying its debris.
- What
- The Northern Taurids are reaching their annual peak, with dark skies expected to make viewing favorable.
- When
- The best viewing is expected Wednesday night into early Thursday morning; peak activity is forecast for 1 p.m. ET Thursday.
- Where
- In the night sky, with meteors appearing to radiate from Taurus but visible anywhere in the sky.
- Why
- Earth passes through debris left by asteroids or comets, and the fragments burn up in the atmosphere, producing streaks of light.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A new moon occurred, leaving little moonlight expected for viewing later in the week.
The best viewing window for the Northern Taurids is expected.
Peak activity is forecast.
- Active period
- October 20 through December 10
- Typical rate
- About five meteors per hour
- Overlapping showers
- The rate can double while the Northern and Southern Taurids overlap
- Moon illumination
- NASA projects a 4%-full waxing crescent moon
- Potential source
- Asteroid 2004 TG10, discovered in 2004
What people are saying
The observing conditions should be very good,
There’s no moonlight to really interfere with getting to see these.
Observations of this meteor shower will tell us whether there’s anything in there that could put us at risk.