South Taurids Meteor Shower 2016: When and how to watch FIREBALL shooting stars TONIGHT
THE South Taurids Meteor Shower will light up the night skies TONIGHT with dazzlingly bright “fireball" shooting stars. Here is how you can catch the display for yourself including peak times, how to watch and where the best places to stargaze are.
The South Taurids shower will produce dazzling fireballs
What is the South Taurids Meteor Shower?
The South Taurids is a spectacular meteor shower that lights up the night skies every November.
It is also known as the "Halloween fireballs" thanks to its exepctionally bright shooting stars.
The display, along with its sister shower the North Taurids, are a result of the comet Encke.
Both showers are modest displays and peak at around 7 meteors per hour.
Why is it called the South Taurids?
Both the South and North Taurids are named after the constellation Taurus, where they are seen to come from in the sky.
When and what time is the South Taurids Meteor Shower?
The Taurids are active from September 25 to November 25, but the shower will peak just after midnight tonight.
Spectacular burning meteorite captured flying through sky
Where is the best place to watch the South Taurids Meteor Shower?
Astrologers advise that people hoping to catch the shower should head to the countryside as light-polluted city skies will make the display difficult to see.
Many towns and cities will host Bonfire Night firework displays throughout the weekend which could also hamper the view of the night sky.
The shower will be visible this weekend
Around 7 meteors per hour should be visible
How to watch the South Taurids Meteor Shower
The shower should be visible to the naked eye, meaning there is no need for a telescope.
Stargazers should find a comfortable spot just before midnight and let their eyes adjust to the dark.
Be sure to bring a cushion and blanket as the shower will peak around midnight and go on until dawn.
There is a better chance of catching the shower lying down and looking straight up into the night sky rather than looking in one direction.
The shower is expected to produce around 7 meteors per hour at its peak.