November 1st 2024.
The Taurid meteor shower is back again, ready to dazzle us with its fiery display in the night sky. This cosmic event occurs annually from September to November, with its peak expected on November 5th, next Tuesday. As it gets closer to its peak, we can expect to see a flurry of fireballs lighting up the sky.
The Taurid meteor shower is famous for its impressive appearance, often producing slower and brighter meteors. According to Associate Professor Michael Brown from Monash University's School of Physics and Astronomy, the strength of the meteor shower can vary depending on how active the comet was. However, one thing is for sure - the Taurids can produce some spectacular meteors that are both slow and bright.
If you're planning to catch a glimpse of this phenomenon, here's what you need to know. The Taurid meteor shower is caused by Comet Encke, which orbits the sun and leaves behind a stream of debris. Every year, as Earth passes through this debris, we are treated to the magnificent display of shooting stars. These meteors travel at an astonishing speed of 104,000km/h and burn up upon entering our atmosphere, creating the spectacular show under the constellation Taurus.
And the good news is, we can witness this cosmic event right here in Australia. In fact, there are two Taurid showers - the northern and southern showers. According to Brown, the southern showers can be seen from every state and territory in the country. So no matter where you are, you can always catch a glimpse of this amazing display.
If you're wondering when and how to watch the Taurid meteor shower, here's what you need to know. The peak of the shower is expected around November 5th, best seen between 1am and 3am. However, Brown suggests that a few nights before and after the peak might also offer a good viewing experience. And for those who are willing to stay up late or wake up early, the early morning hours are the best time to witness this cosmic event.
As with most night sky events, the key to fully enjoying the Taurid meteor shower is to find a dark and less light-polluted location. So if you can, try to get away from the city and find a spot with minimal light pollution. As Brown suggests, getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life can greatly enhance your experience of this magnificent display in the sky. So mark your calendars and get ready to be amazed by the Taurid meteor shower!
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