Taurid meteor shower to light up skies across UK

Taurid meteor shower is active since October and will continue till December

Tech Desk - Nov 12, 2024

An undated image of a comet in the sky. — Pixabay

The Taurid meteor shower is set to reach its peak for the next two nights. This display of the "shooting stars" is a must-watch event for all the stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts residing in the United Kingdom (UK).

What is the Taurid meteor shower?

The Taurids are known for producing bright meteors, appearing infrequently, with only around five visible per hour, travelling at a relatively slow speed of 65,000 mph.

The Taurids appear when Earth passes through a trail of ice and dust left by Comet Encke, which results in bright “crumbs” that burn up in the atmosphere, according to the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

While the Taurid meteor shower is active since October and will continue till December, it promises particularly intense displays this week. The experts highlighted that the meteors’ intensity in the sky makes them well worth the wait.

However, Sky News weather producer Christopher England highlighted that due to clear skies, most UK regions should be able to enjoy the spectacle.

Eastern England will be cloudier at times, with the chance of a shower in the extreme South East, England added.

How to watch Taurid meteor shower?

The best time for stargazers to view the Northern Taurids is around midnight. Skygazers can enjoy the event with the naked eye and are advised to view from an area with minimal pollution and an unobstructed horizon.