Look for 'fireball' meteors over the US tonight as the North Taurid meteor shower peaks

When and where to see the meteor shower

The North Taurid meteor shower is peaking tonight, November 12, and skywatchers across the US will have a chance to see some amazing "fireball" meteors. The shower is expected to produce up to 5 meteors per hour, and some of them could be very bright. The best time to see the shower will be between midnight and dawn, and the best viewing location will be a dark sky area away from city lights.

What causes the North Taurid meteor shower?

The North Taurid meteor shower is caused by debris from the comet 2004 TG10. The comet orbits the sun every 4.5 years, and when it passes close to Earth, it leaves behind a trail of dust and debris. When this debris enters Earth's atmosphere, it burns up and creates a meteor.

Why are the meteors in the North Taurid meteor shower so bright?

The meteors in the North Taurid meteor shower are often very bright because they are composed of iron and magnesium. These elements burn brightly when they enter Earth's atmosphere. The meteors can also be very large, with some of them reaching the size of a small car. This makes them even more visible in the night sky.

How to see the North Taurid meteor shower

To see the North Taurid meteor shower, find a dark sky area away from city lights. Lie down on a blanket or chair and look up at the sky. The meteors will be visible in all parts of the sky, but they will be most concentrated in the north. Be patient and you should be able to see several meteors per hour.

Stay up until dawn to catch the 'fireball' meteors

The best time to see the North Taurid meteor shower will be between midnight and dawn. This is when the shower will be at its peak, and you will have the best chance of seeing some amazing "fireball" meteors. So stay up late and enjoy the show!