The Taurid meteor shower is once again upon us and set to light up our night sky with a flurry of fireballs.
The cosmic display occurs from September to November each year, and will reach its peak on Tuesday next week, November 5.
The Taurid is known for its dazzling appearance and can sometimes produce slower and brighter meteors.
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“They can come and go in strength depending on how active the comet was,” Monash University’s School of Physics and Astronomy Associate Professor Michael Brown said.
“One thing that is nice about the Taurids, they can sometimes produce relatively slow and relatively bright meteors in comparison to others.
“You might not see many but you’ll see some good ones.”
Here’s everything you need to know to catch a glimpse of the phenomenon.
What causes the Taurid meteor shower?
Comet Encke orbits the sun and leaves behind a stream of debris, according to NASA.
The meteor shower happens each year when Earth passes through the debris.
The debris collides with our atmosphere at about 104,000km/h and burns up, creating the fiery spectacle under the constellation Taurus.
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Can you see the Taurid meteor shower in Australia?
Yes.
The Taurids actually have two showers: the northern and southern.
Brown said the southern showers can be viewed from every state and territory.
How and when to watch the Taurid meteor shower
The meteor shower will peak about November 5 and is best seen from 1am to 3am.
“A few nights before and after will be good as well,” Brown said.
“The meteor shower is best seen in the early morning hours so definitely one for the people who stay up late or rise early.”
As with most night sky events, heading out of light-polluted cities will enhance the viewing experience.
“It’s often good to get away from the town and city life and get somewhere dark,” Brown said.
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