With today being Bonfire Night , many Brits will gather across the UK to watch beautiful firework displays.
If you’re planning to see a display yourself, you may be treated to more than just the artificial fireworks, thanks to the Taurid Meteor Shower.
While the annual meteor shower has been going on for the last two months, it will peak this evening, providing you with the perfect opportunity to see a ‘natural firework’ for yourself.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Taurid Meteor Shower, including what it is, and our top tips for seeing it.
When is the Taurid Meteor Shower?
The Taurid Meteor Shower takes place from from September 7 to December 10 this year.
However, the meteor shower will peak tonight, which also happens to be Bonfire Night here in the UK!
What’s the best time to see a shooting star?
During tonight's peak, the Taurids should produce around 5-10 meteors per hour.
Ther'es also a First Quarter Moon tonight – a primary moon phase when we can see exactly half of the moon’s surface illuminated.
This will end shortly after midnight, so for the best chance of seeing a meteor, look to the skies in the early hours of Wednesday morning – a dark sky will make any meteors stand out a lot more.
NASA said: “Taurid meteors can be seen any time the constellation Taurus is above the horizon during the months of September, October, and November.
“The best time to look for Taurids is after midnight, when Taurus is high in the sky, and when the sky is dark and clear, with no moonlight to mask the fainter meteors.”
What is the Taurid Meteor Shower?
The Taurid Meteor Shower is actually made up of two separate streams.
The first, called the Northern Taurids, is produced by dust grains left behind by asteroid 2004 TG10, which glow brightly as they enter the Earth’s atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the second stream, called the Southern Taurus, is produced by debris left behind by Comet 2P Encke.
When is the next meteor shower?
If you miss tonight's shower, thankfully there’s not too long to wait until the next one.
The Leonids Meteor Shower will peak on November 17, when it will produce up to 15 meteors per hour.
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