Every Autumn, Earth passes through a swath of debris left by Comet Encke, lighting up the sky with meteors as this debris hits our atmosphere and burns. Called the Taurid meteor shower, its peak activity happens this very weekend.
Adding to the excitement, NASA shares that "Bright Taurid fireballs may be more numerous this year". Some years the show is brighter and more dramatic than others, and this one is looking like it may be especially fantastic.
You can enjoy the show almost anywhere, but these ten tips will help you make the most out of your quest to observe those "Taurid fireballs"!
1. Find a Dark Location
You'll get the best view in a dark location where you can vividly see the stars. Escape light pollution by heading to a rural or remote area, away from town and city lights. A park or field can be a great place for viewing the meteor shower.
2. Choose the Right Time
According to NASA, the best time for spotting the meteors will be after midnight, so be prepared to stay up a bit!
3. Check Weather Conditions
You won't be able to see anything if there's heavy cloud cover, so before you set your alarm for 2am, check the weather report to see if there will be clear skies. If not, don't despair.
While the Taurid meteor will be at its peak this weekend, based on past activity, you should still have a chance to view it right through the first two weeks of November. Just choose your next clear night, and rest assured you haven't totally missed it!
4. Dress Warmly
These November evenings are already breathtakingly cold, throughout many parts of the US. So dress warmly and bring more layers than you think you need. This is a good chance to get out those cozy fall hats and scarves, if you haven't already!
5. Use Red Flashlights
Red light doesn't interfere with a person's night vision as much as white light. So if you have one, a red flashlight is a great thing to have along. That way you can find those tasty snacks you brought, without having to let your eyes re-adjust to the dark night sky. (Think "road trip snacks", when you're packing your supplies.)
6. Bring Comfortable Seating
Watching meteors is so much fun, it's hard to leave when the viewing is good. Having a comfortable camp chair, can make it more comfortable to stay as long as you like. A nice waterproof pad or yoga mat is a great option if you'd like to lie down while you're watching the stars.
Keep in mind that in most places there's likely to be dew on the ground during the hours you're watching, so a regular blanket might get pretty damp.
7. Allow Your Eyes to Adjust
Plan on arriving a little earlier than your goal for the best viewing time. It takes human eyes a while to fully adjust to the darkness. So you'll be able to fully take in the glory of skies about 20 minutes after you arrive to your dark location.
8. Look Toward the Radiant Point
Here's an interesting fact. Did you know that meteor showers are named for the location the point in the sky from which they appear to originate? This is called the radiant point. Since the Taurid shower appears to come from the constellation Taurus, that's what you're looking for.
Look for the constellation Orion (remember those three stars in his belt), and then look just North-West of this to find Taurus. That's where you'll have the best chance of spotting these meteors that are sometimes called "Halloween Fireballs".
9. Don't Get Discouraged If You Don't See Meteors Right Away
Meteors can come in fits and starts. It's not a constant celestial performance. So if you don't see much action soon after you arrive, try giving it time. Listen to some tunes, eat some snacks, and get comfortable. The show may start up again at any moment.
10. Bring Your Camera
If you have a camera that's capable of long-exposures, this is an amazing opportunity to make use of that feature. (This article has some great beginner tips for night photography if you're just getting started.
Use a wide-angle lens if you have one, and you'll definitely want a tripod. A remote shutter release is another helpful accessory, so you don't risk moving the camera at all when you press the shutter button. Or, use the 10-second timer feature so the camera can totally settle before beginning to take the shot.
Wherever you're enjoying the Taurid meteor shower this weekend, remember to enjoy the moment, and soak in the beauty of the night sky. Happy meteor watching!
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Anna Chesley is a freelance writer living a homestead lifestyle, with a special love for family travel, old books, vintage skills, and seaside living. In addition to founding Salt In My Coffee, she runs the website, New England Family Life, as well as The 1800's Housewife, a website devoted to re-creating authentic 1800's recipes.
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