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Get ready for a spectacular show in the night sky this November! The American Meteor Society (AMS) has announced that three meteor showers will reach their peak activity this month. The Southern Taurid, Northern Taurid, and Leonid meteor showers will grace our skies with shooting stars and possibly even fireballs.

The Taurids occur annually in late autumn when the Earth passes through a debris trail left behind by the comet Encke. While these meteor showers are not known for their high frequency, they are famous for producing fireballs, which are exceptionally bright meteors that can be seen over a large area. Reports of fireball sightings tend to increase during this time of the year.

In 2023, the Southern Taurids will reach their predicted peak on the night of November 5-6, while the Northern Taurids will peak on the night of November 11-12. According to the astronomy site EarthSky, the best time to observe the Taurids will be around midnight during the peak of the Northern Taurids on November 11-12. On this night, the moon will only be 2% full, providing ideal conditions for stargazing and maximizing the chances of seeing 5-10 meteors per hour, including fireballs.

Starting on November 3 and continuing until December 2, the legendary Leonids meteor shower will also light up the night sky. The Leonids originate from the comet Tempel-Tuttle and are known for their brightness and long-lasting trails. On a dark night, observers can expect an average rate of about 15-20 meteors per hour. The Leonids are also famous for producing meteor storms, like the one witnessed in November 1833 when up to 150,000 meteors per hour were reported.

Although the opportunity for a similar meteor storm might not arise until 2099, November 2023 promises to be an exciting month for meteor enthusiasts. Consider visiting a dark-sky park for the best views and keep your eyes to the skies for a stunning meteoric display!

For more tips on viewing meteor showers and detailed information, please visit the American Meteor Society’s website at www.amsmeteors.org.

Sources:

– American Meteor Society (AMS) – www.amsmeteors.org

– EarthSky – www.earthsky.org

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