Sky-gazers are in for a treat this weekend as the Taurid meteor showers reach their peak, offering a stunning display of shooting stars. The Southern Taurid meteors have been visible since September, but the best time to catch a glimpse of the spectacle is expected to be around 8:47 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Although the Southern Taurids usually have a frequency of only five meteors per hour, they are renowned for their bright fireballs, which make them all the more captivating. Experts recommend viewing the meteor shower after midnight, regardless of the time zone.
Despite the moon being nearly half full at 44% during the peak of the shower, astronomers assure that it will not hinder visibility. The Taurids are known for featuring larger meteoroids, some of which can be up to 1 meter in length. These meteoroids burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a mesmerizing display of brightness.
The Taurid meteor showers are caused by debris left behind by Comet Encke, which holds the distinction of having the shortest orbit among all known comets. This year, the Taurid swarm has shown higher than usual rates and had already occurred in 2022. Experts predict that it will happen again in 2025, providing further opportunities for sky enthusiasts to witness this celestial spectacle.
The Taurid meteor showers will continue until December 8, overlapping with the Northern Taurids, which are set to peak on November 12. So, there is still plenty of time for interested observers to enjoy these natural wonders.
In addition to the Taurids, there are other meteor showers to look out for in 2023. These include the Leonids, Geminids, and Ursids, each having its own unique characteristics and timings.
The year 2023 is not only about meteor showers but also features two more full moons. The Beaver moon is set to grace the sky on November 27, followed by the Cold moon on December 26.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to be mesmerized by the beauty and wonder of the Taurid meteor showers and other celestial events in the coming months.
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