Post by Mystic Wanderer on Nov 11, 2015 3:58:49 GMT -6
Earth is passing through Comet Encke's tail, which will allow some to see a spectacular display in our night skies.
"The best time to view the Taurids is from midnight to 3 am local time," NASA wrote in a Reddit AMA. "There should be a handful per hour. Taurid rates are not high, but the ones you will see will be very bright."
The peak of the shower — when we can see the most meteors per hour — will be the evening of Wednesday, November 11. But Monday and Tuesday night are also a good time to sit back and look up, weather permitting.
The best way to watch any meteor shower is to get far away from city lights and look up, no special equipment required. Here's a map from AccuWeather showing where the best spots in the country are to see the Taurids Monday night:
The peak of the shower — when we can see the most meteors per hour — will be the evening of Wednesday, November 11. But Monday and Tuesday night are also a good time to sit back and look up, weather permitting.
The best way to watch any meteor shower is to get far away from city lights and look up, no special equipment required. Here's a map from AccuWeather showing where the best spots in the country are to see the Taurids Monday night:
This year is a particularly good year for viewing the Taurids as the peak of the meteor shower coincides with the new moon, occurring the night of Nov. 11 into Nov. 12.
The new moon will help limit the amount of light pollution, making the shooting stars appear even brighter than they would during any other phase of the moon.
Those heading out to look for the Taurids can do so at any time of the night as they will streak across the sky throughout the entire night. However, you may need to be patient.
"In a given year, this shower typically produces just five to 10 meteors per hour," AccuWeather Meteorologist Dave Samuhel said.
"There are notable swarm years, when this shower really impresses, and 2015 is one of those years," Samuhel added.
The new moon will help limit the amount of light pollution, making the shooting stars appear even brighter than they would during any other phase of the moon.
Those heading out to look for the Taurids can do so at any time of the night as they will streak across the sky throughout the entire night. However, you may need to be patient.
"In a given year, this shower typically produces just five to 10 meteors per hour," AccuWeather Meteorologist Dave Samuhel said.
"There are notable swarm years, when this shower really impresses, and 2015 is one of those years," Samuhel added.
Source
Is anyone planning on staying up to see this event? If you capture any pictures, please share them here.
Oh, and you might want to put on your hard hat out there, just in case a few pebbles make it through the atmosphere!
