The Taurids meteor shower will rise into the Australian sky Monday evening, continuing into the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The shower happens over a few weeks, but it will peak tonight.
The Taurids are known to produce bright, slower-moving fireballs in a longer-lasting meteor shower.
Here’s what you need to know to watch the Taurid meteor shower.
What is the Taurid meteor shower and what can I expect?
From September to November, the southern hemisphere is subject to Taurid meteor showers.
There is also one in the northern hemisphere, active from October to December, and which will peak next week, on November 12.
The Southern Tauride will peak Monday evening and early Tuesday morning.
Taurids are glowing balls of fire. They are different from ordinary meteors in that they are brighter and much larger, some exceeding a meter wide.
Although you may not see as many meteors as some other showers, the ones you do see will generally last longer, making them a photographer’s dream.
Southern Tauris is caused by comet Encke, which orbits the sun and leaves behind a stream of debris that turns into stunning fireballs.
Encke was once part of a larger comet that broke up 20,000 years ago.
Under dark skies with little or no moon, you can expect to see about five meteors per hour.
When and how to observe the Taurids?
The Taurid meteor shower will be strongest in our sky Monday evening and early Tuesday morning.
Good news, it will also be viewable in all Australian states and territories.
If you can stay awake, you’ll get the best views from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. Tuesday. But if it’s past your bedtime, you might also be able to see meteors from 9 p.m.
The moon will form a thin crescent Monday evening, resulting in darker skies and better visibility.
To make your meteor viewing easier, try to find a location with a clear view of the sky, ideally away from any bright lights or the city.
