2024 South Taurids Meteor Shower Peaks

Every year from September to November, the Earth passes through a broad stream of debris left by Comet Encke. The dust associated with the comet hits the Earth’s atmosphere at 65,000 mph and burns up, creating the Taurid meteor shower. Most years the shower is weak, and only a few Taurid meteors can be seen each night. In other years, the Taurids can put on a show.

The Taurids meteor shower is a long-lasting shower comprising two separate events. The North and South Taurids combine to provide a nice sprinkling of meteors throughout October and November.

In 2024, the South Taurid shower happens from September 10 to November 20, 2024, with an expected peak on November 5 with peak viewing around midnight. The North Taurids are active from about October 13 to December 2, with an anticipated peak on November 12, 2024. However, the South Taurid meteor shower on November 5 is expected to be a better show than the North Taurids due to the the waxing crescent moon – 3 days before a full moon, which will interfere will meteor shower viewing on November 12, 2024.

Keep watching through the month of November because you could spot fireballs at any time. On November 11, the peak for the North Taurids shower is expected, and moonlight should be less bright, so they should be easier to spot.

• When does the South Taurids Meteor Shower peak? Late night November 4 until dawn November 5, 2024
• When does the North Taurids Meteor Shower peak? Late night November 11 until dawn November 12, 2024

Source:Earth Sky