Skywatchers across the region will have an exceptional opportunity to observe the Northern Taurid Meteor Shower next week, with Monday, November 9, offering the best viewing conditions. The New Moon on that date will guarantee the least amount of light pollution, creating optimal darkness for spotting the shower's famously long, luminescent tails.
Although the Northern Taurids do not reach their peak until three days later, the absence of moonlight on Monday makes it the prime night to catch the shooting stars. The shower typically produces around 8-12 meteors per hour. Tuesday, November 10, should be nearly as favorable, as a 1-day-old moon is unlikely to create significant glare.
For those interested in celestial photography, the Taurids' long tails present an excellent subject. Amateur photographers can set their cameras to shutter priority mode and use a slow shutter speed for a 20- or 30-second exposure. Mounting the camera on a tripod with the widest field of view and aiming toward the constellation Taurus—where the meteors appear to originate—will help capture the display. Taurus is located just northeast of Orion and contains the Pleiades star cluster.
The meteor shower's peak occurs closer to November 12, so any night next week could produce a impressive show. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this natural spectacle and enjoy the cosmos.