Southern Taurid Meteor Shower Guide

The Southern Taurids are visible each year from September 10 through November 20, with peak activity on October 10.

Unlike most meteor showers, Southern Taurids move relatively slow with bright, long trails. Some produce fireballs that are very obvious in the sky.

For sky watchers in cities and rural spots, the Southern Taurids give a chance to spot a few bright meteors even with light around. In the next sections, learn when, where, and how you can catch the Southern Taurids at their peak.

What Are the Southern Taurids?

As its name implies, the shower comes from the constellation of Taurus. It enchants skywatchers both with its consistent reliability and its dramatic visual effects.

Every autumn, this shower re-emerges to dazzle observers across the world with stunning displays. It does draw everyone, from seasoned astronomers to casual stargazers.

Defining The Southern Taurid Meteor Shower

The Southern Taurids are one of the slowest meteor showers. Meteors in this shower cut across the sky at 27 km/s. This is quite slow compared to your average meteor shower. That slower speed means the meteors are a bit easier to spot and can appear to move with a long, drawn-out, graceful motion.

The Southern Taurids are unusual in that they last for a long time each year, from September 10 to November 20. Look for the best activity in late October and early November. When the skies are clear, Southern Taurid observers can expect wonderful views. This will be particularly true near peak on October 10.

The shower’s radiant point is most easily seen as it shines high overhead in the constellation of Taurus. As such, meteors are visible all night long, frequently visible from dusk to dawn.

Meet Comet Encke: The Parent

Comet Encke is the Southern Taurids’ parent body. What makes this comet particularly special is its extremely short orbit. Today, it takes only 3.3 years for this comet to circle the Sun, the one of the fastest major comets in the solar system.

Johann Franz Encke, a German astronomer, made an important discovery in the early 19th century. He recognized the path and periodic nature of this comet.

The connection between Comet Encke and the Southern Taurids is all about debris. As the comet moves through the solar system, it sheds streams of dust and small particles. When Earth passes through this material, we get the Southern Taurid meteor shower.

So, each Enckean meteor we see is a tiny fragment of Encke, burning up as it enters our atmosphere. Its nucleus is about 4.8 km wide. It continues to provide new material along its path, making the shower active and reliable every year.

Why Two Taurid Branches Exist

The Taurid showers split into two branches: Southern and Northern. This division is a product of the manner in which Comet Encke loses debris across its orbit. Since then, the debris has spread out and split up into two separate streams.

The Southern Taurids are what we see in the fall, with the Northern Taurids appearing shortly thereafter. The Southern branch is typically the more active and fireball-producing of the two. This division allows researchers to learn more about how comet debris disperses and how multiple trails cause different meteor activity.

Compared to past years, observers have better opportunities to see Taurid meteors at all hours of the night. Both branches of the Taurid meteor shower provide exciting and distinctive viewing experiences.

The Famous Taurid Fireball Link

One of the most widely-discussed aspects of the Southern Taurids is their association with fireballs. These meteors are extremely bright, even compared to the other stars in the sky. Occasionally, they outshine even Venus or the moon.

In some years, the shower undergoes an outburst in fireball activity, treating observers to spectacular sky shows. Recent fireball events, such as the ones observed during 2013 and 2019, have been linked to the Taurids.

Spotting the Southern Taurid Meteor Shower

Each autumn, the Southern Taurids provide a dependable, beautiful shower. Their timing and unique features have made them a favorite with dedicated skywatchers. Here’s an in-depth guide to spotting the Southern Taurids at their peak.

Best Viewing Dates

The Southern Taurid meteor shower is active from September 10 through November 20. During the month, activity is best around October 10 during the shower’s peak.

Careful planning for these nights significantly increases your chances of witnessing an impressive fireball, or even a dazzling string of bright meteors.

Find the Radiant Point Easily

The Southern Taurids’ radiant is located in the constellation Taurus. Once you know where to look for Taurus, it will be much easier to see more meteors.

Star charts, such as these on paper or digital apps, are helpful navigational resources. A lot of people love using mobile apps that show you constellations based on your location. With these new apps, it’s even easier to locate Taurus, even from a well-lit backyard or city park.

Why Dark Skies Matter Most

Dark skies are the most important element in seeing more meteors. Unfortunately, light pollution from cities and towns can wash out all but the very brightest meteors. Under ideal dark sky conditions—far from city lights and with no moon—observers might see up to five meteors per hour during peak Southern Taurid activity.

National parks, designated dark sky preserves, and rural areas far from large highways provide the ideal backdrop. Lots of skywatchers make brief journeys to these locales in the peak of Southern Taurids for a deeper experience. Just a few minutes outside of town, and the difference in your viewing experience is night and day.

Southern Taurid Fireballs

Fireballs are what make the Southern Taurids unique among meteor showers. Enormous fireballs race across the sky in late October/early November. These very large meteoroids usually light up the night for a few seconds, much longer than typical meteors.

Fireballs are different from your typical meteor. Their brightness and size quickly give them away, often outshining Venus and easily catching the eye even in bright, light-polluted urban skies.

Although fireballs are a rare occurrence, the Southern Taurids provide a better opportunity to see one, particularly during years with enhanced activity.

The Southern Taurids’ impressive fireball rate is a result of large, dense fragments left behind by the comet Encke. These pieces create amazing fireballs because of their considerable mass and stony or metallic composition.

Conclusion

The Southern Taurids paint the autumn sky with spectacular, slow-moving bright meteors and even fireballs. Unlike the short bursts of meteors seen in most other meteor showers, the Southern Taurids linger a little longer and pack a tangible wallop.

Warm, clear, dark skies definitely do the trick. Come with a buddy, come with a hot beverage, and look up! No special gear required, just some patience and a little luck. Catch the Southern Taurid meteor shower—nature provides a new spectacle each annual return. Post your discoveries and trade tales with us and/or on social media. There is just so much more the night sky has to share.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Southern Taurids different from other meteor showers?

The Southern Taurids are famous for producing slow, bright meteors and even fireballs. Plus, these meteors are slower than most, so they’re easier to spot and enjoy!

How do I improve my chances of seeing Southern Taurid fireballs?

To see them, first locate a dark area far from city lights. Finally, give your eyes a chance to adjust to the dark for at least 20 minutes before glancing skyward.

Are the Southern Taurids dangerous?

The meteors themselves burn up very high in Earth’s atmosphere with no potential risk to human lives or property.

Can I photograph the Southern Taurids with a smartphone?

Smartphones are not great for astrophotography, but yes, you can shoot with a smartphone. By using a tripod and long exposure settings, you should be able to easily photograph the brightest Southern Taurid fireballs that grace the night sky.

What causes the Southern Taurid meteor shower?

The Southern Taurids are produced by debris left behind by Comet Encke. When Earth travels through this cloud of debris, the meteors burn up upon entering the atmosphere, producing the annual meteor shower.

See also:

• Previous meteor shower: Draconid Meteor Shower