Bright fireballs could streak across the night sky this week as the Northern Taurid meteor shower reaches its peak.
The annual celestial display is active from October 20 through December 10. The strongest activity is expected overnight on November 11-12, according to the American Meteor Society.
Unlike prolific meteor showers that produce dozens of shooting stars per hour, the Taurids offer a slower burn with low rates and slow-moving meteors.
In Southern California, local residents can look forward to a stunning array of astronomical events throughout November. They begin with the Taurid meteor showers early in the month.
Great locations for watching the phenomenon across the area feature the San Gabriel Mountains, Joshua Tree National Park, and local beaches. Marine layer fog near the coast might sometimes block visibility.
“It's kind of weird to imagine us just being caught up in a big fishing net of debris, is essentially how I like to think of it,” said Waylon Troyer, the planetarium director at Science Museum Oklahoma.
To find the best viewing conditions away from urban light pollution, Troyer suggested traveling 45 minutes past the Oklahoma City metro toward El Reno or near Edmond. He reminded stargazers that they simply need to head outside with patience since no gear is necessary.
Every year, our planet makes its way through a stream of rocky fragments and dust left behind by Comet Encke.
The debris field features larger-than-normal particles that burn much brighter than meteors from other showers as they enter the atmosphere.
NASA states that the peak 2026 Northern Taurids are expected to produce five meteors per hour under ideal viewing conditions.
“Even though they don't necessarily have a lot of meteors that are active during the shower, it is known for occasionally producing a handful of fireballs,” Troyer said.
“Individuals should not be surprised if they see a bright meteor or fireball over the next few nights,” said Bill Cooke, NASA’s Meteoroid Office Lead.
Because Taurid meteors are large and slow-moving, they are frequently nicknamed Halloween fireballs.
Some years produce more fireballs than others. The next predicted Taurid fireball swarm is expected in 2032.
Skywatchers will benefit from exceptionally dark skies this year. The moon will be a nearly new, slim waxing crescent illuminated at five percent, as reported by The South African.
The International Meteor Organization identifies the illumination at four percent.
No telescope or specialist equipment is required to view the shower.
Astronomers advise heading to a dark location away from artificial lights and giving your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
Although the meteors appear to originate from the direction of the Taurus constellation, they can streak across the entire night sky.
Regional weather could hinder visibility in parts of the United States. The National Weather Service reported that North Pacific storms would bring rain, gusty winds, and mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest.
Other astronomical highlights follow the Taurids.
Earlier coverage: Northern Taurid Meteor Shower Peaks November 12 With Bright Fireballs Expected