The Southern Taurid meteor shower is expected to peak Tuesday and Wednesday as Earth passes through debris from Comet Encke. Because 2025 is a "swarm year," observers could see up to 10 bright fireballs per hour, with fragments ranging from pea-gravel size up to baseballs or basketballs. The best viewing is around midnight and after, though a nearly full moon may reduce visibility for fainter meteors. Look toward Taurus from a dark site for the best chance to spot dramatic fireballs.
Southern Taurid Meteor Shower to Peak Tuesday–Wednesday — Expect Bright Fireballs in 2025 "Swarm Year"
The Southern Taurid meteor shower is expected to peak Tuesday and Wednesday as Earth passes through debris from Comet Encke. Because 2025 is a "swarm year," observers could see up to 10 bright fireballs per hour, with fragments ranging from pea-gravel size up to baseballs or basketballs. The best viewing is around midnight and after, though a nearly full moon may reduce visibility for fainter meteors. Look toward Taurus from a dark site for the best chance to spot dramatic fireballs.
08:10, 05.11.2025Science
Southern Taurid Meteor Shower to Peak Tuesday–Wednesday
The Southern Taurid meteor shower, known for producing bright, slow-moving fireballs, is expected to reach its peak Tuesday and Wednesday nights as Earth passes through dust left behind by Comet Encke.
The shower is active from September through November. Debris swept from Comet Encke plunges into Earth's atmosphere at high speeds, producing meteors when the fragments burn up, the American Meteor Society says.
Why 2025 Could Be Special
Space weather trackers say 2025 is a so-called "swarm year," meaning Earth will cross a denser part of Encke's debris stream. During swarm years, the number of bright fireballs can increase substantially — experts estimate observers could see as many as 10 bright meteors per hour during the peak.
"Normal Taurid particles are usually the size of pea gravel with a few larger particles mixed in," American Meteor Society expert Robert Lunsford told Space.com. "The swarm particles are only the size of baseballs up to basketballs, but will appear as fireballs from the ground instead of normal meteors."
What to Expect and How to Watch
- Peak nights: Tuesday and Wednesday nights (local dates).
- Best time: Around midnight and in the hours after local midnight, when Taurid activity typically increases.
- Where to look: Toward the constellation Taurus, but fireballs can appear anywhere in the sky.
- Visibility: A nearly full moon may wash out fainter meteors — however, the brightest fireballs should still be visible.
Because the Southern Taurids will be coincident with some activity from the Northern Taurids and the Orionids, skywatchers may see a richer display overall. For darker skies and the best view, find a location away from city lights, allow your eyes to adjust to the dark, and give yourself at least an hour of observation.
Sources: American Meteor Society, Space.com, EarthSky.