Australian skies to be illuminated by uncommon occurrence

Don't miss the Northern Taurids lighting up the sky next week - a rare opportunity for stargazers.

November 6th 2024.

Australian skies to be illuminated by uncommon occurrence
This week, the skies above Australia are putting on quite a show for stargazers. Two sister meteor showers are making an appearance, lighting up the night with a dazzling display of celestial beauty. From September to November every year, the Taurids shower us with a stunning cosmic performance, almost like a flurry of fireballs.

Last night, the Southern Taurids reached their peak, painting the sky with spectacular streaks of light. But the excitement is far from over, as the Northern Taurids will soon be making their debut on November 12. This rare phenomenon is not to be missed, so mark your calendars and get ready for another chance to witness this breathtaking event.

Now, you might be wondering, what exactly are the Northern Taurids? Well, they are a result of the debris left behind by Comet Encke as it orbits the sun. When these asteroids collide with our atmosphere at a whopping speed of 104,000 km/h, they break apart and create a fiery spectacle that is simply mesmerizing to watch.

Interestingly, the Northern Taurids share a similar name to their southern counterpart, as they both seem to originate from different parts of the constellation Taurus. So, if you're lucky enough to catch a glimpse of both showers, you'll notice that they have a striking resemblance.

So, when exactly can we expect to see the Northern Taurids? The meteor shower is set to peak on November 12, between midnight and predawn. This will be a week after the Southern Taurids reached their peak, giving us a chance to witness this spectacular event once again. Keep your eyes on the sky during this time, and you might just be in for a treat.

As for the best way to watch the Taurid meteor shower, it's recommended to find a spot away from the city lights. Rural areas provide the perfect opportunity for sightings under the dark sky. Also, keep in mind that the moon can sometimes obstruct the view, so it's best to catch the shower when the moon is in its waning phase.

Don't worry if you miss the peak, as the Taurids will still be visible into December. However, they won't be at their brightest, so try to catch them while they're at their peak for the most spectacular experience.

For all the latest updates on the Taurid meteor showers, be sure to download the 9News app. You'll get notifications straight to your phone, keeping you informed about all the breaking news, sports, politics, and weather. So, don't miss out on this incredible celestial event and make sure to look up at the night sky on November 12. Who knows, you might just witness something truly magical.

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[Generative AI is experimental.]

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