The Southern Taurids meteor shower peaks tonight, and the sky could briefly turn more active for stargazers. The shower may also produce fireballs in the coming weeks, giving November a second burst of activity after the peak.
Comet Encke debris
Earth crosses streams of debris left behind by Comet Encke every autumn, which is why the Southern Taurids meteor shower returns on a regular cycle. Comet Encke is a 3-mile-wide, or 4.8-kilometer, ice body that orbits the sun once every 3.3 years.
Multiple peaks in November
The Taurid meteor shower is not a single flash event. The source says it is bringing multiple peaks of activity, and that means bright streaks can arrive over more than one night rather than disappearing after a brief peak.
That gives skywatchers a wider window to look up, but the strongest activity is centered on tonight. The same debris stream can also produce spectacular shooting stars and fireballs brightening November's sky in the coming weeks.
The practical takeaway is simple: if you want to catch the shower, tonight is the key night to watch, and the days after it may still deliver bright fireballs. The source does not say exactly where in the sky or at what local time viewers should look.
