Look up for a chance to see bright fireballs in the night sky as the Taurid meteor shower lights up, with ideal conditions and peak visibility from 1am to 2am.
The Taurid meteor shower will be visible across Australia on Monday night and early Tuesday morning, promising a display of bright fireballs. But is it worth staying up late to watch?
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If you’re already awake, it’s worth taking a look, though this shower may be a bit modest. The Taurids are known for their distinctive fireballs, which are much brighter and larger than typical meteors, sometimes over a metre wide. These slower, longer-lasting meteors make for great viewing and ideal photos.
Best Times to Watch
For the best chance of catching the Taurids, aim to be outside from around 11pm on Monday night through to dawn on Tuesday morning. Peak viewing times are expected between 1am and 2am, although some meteors may start appearing as early as 9 or 10pm. With a slim crescent Moon on Monday night, the sky will be dark, creating ideal conditions.
Find a spot with a wide view of the sky, ideally away from city lights. Coastal or rural locations are perfect. To get the most out of your viewing, let your eyes adjust to the dark for about 30 minutes.
What Causes the Taurids?
This meteor shower comes from debris left behind by Comet Encke. Around 20,000 years ago, a larger comet split apart, and Earth now passes through its remnants each year. The Taurids serve as a reminder of this ancient comet, lighting up our skies with one of the most extensive debris fields in the solar system.
