Northern Taurid Meteor Shower November 2018: How to spot shooting stars this weekend



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Tomorrow night, stargazers around the world will be treated to a stunning meteor shower.

The Northern Taurid meteor shower takes place on Sunday, providing people around the world with the chance to see a shooting star.

While those in the Southern Hemisphere may be put off by the 'Northern' part of the name, the good news is that the shower should be visible to viewers in both hemispheres.

Here's our guide to spotting a shooting star this weekend.

When is the Northern Taurid Meteor shower?

While you might have been aware of it, the Northern Taurid Meteor shower has actually been happening throughout November.

Having said that, the peak will take place tomorrow, on the evening of November 11.



Meteor Shower

What time is the Northern Taurid Meteor shower?

The meteor shower will shortly before midnight on Sunday, and into the early hours of Monday.

Admittedly, this is a pretty weak shower, so make sure you keep an eye out!

Where will the meteor shower be visible?

While the shower is called the Northern Taurid Meteor Shower, people in the Hemisphere will also be able to spot it.

Taurus – hence the name 'Taurid.'



This image shows the sky around the star MWC 480 in the constellation of Taurus (The Bull)
This image shows the sky around the star MWC 480 in the constellation of Taurus (The Bull)

To find Taurus, look for the constellation Orion, and look northeast to find the red star Aldebaran – this makes up the bull's eye in Taurus.

For your best chance of seeing meteors, do not look directly at Taurus, and instead move your gauze to nearby constellations.

Meteors closer to the radiant tend to have shorter trails and are more difficult to spot!

Tips for spotting shooting stars

There is no need to splash out expensive equipment, the meteors will be visible with the naked eye.

If you can, travel to an area with little light pollution, away from major cities.

To improve your chance of seeing a star shooting, position yourself on your back, looking straight up at the sky.

Bring plenty of layers and snacks – you could be there while!

What are the Taurids?

The meteors come from Comet Encke, which orbits the sun ever 3.3 years.

As Comet Encke moves, it leaves behind small pieces of material, called meteoroids.

When meteoroids enter the Earth 's atmosphere, they are known as meteors.

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