Don't Miss the 'Halloween Fireballs' — Northern Taurids Could Light Up Connecticut This Weekend

Northern Taurids 'Halloween fireballs' to brighten Connecticut skies

An annual meteor shower known for producing dramatic "Halloween fireballs" — the Northern Taurids — is expected to reach its peak this weekend. EarthSky lists the likely peak night as Sunday, Nov. 9, though some experts say the maximum activity could occur a couple of days later, around Nov. 11.

NASA meteor specialist Bill Cooke: The Taurids are rich in fireballs, so when one appears it can be extremely bright even though overall hourly rates are low.

Observers should not expect a high meteor count; the shower typically produces only a few meteors per hour. The meteors that do appear tend to be slower and lower in the atmosphere than many other showers — Taurids burn up roughly 42 miles (about 68 km) above Earth and travel at roughly 17 miles per second (about 27 km/s), which is less than half the speed of Perseid meteors.

Where and when to watch

In Connecticut the Taurids should be visible across the state as this month's supermoon begins to wane. For the best chance to see a fireball:

• Choose a dark, elevated location away from street and city lights.
• Allow 20–30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
• Look at the sky around midnight when fireballs are most likely to be seen, and be patient — sightings may be infrequent but spectacular.

While the Northern Taurids may not deliver high hourly rates, their occasional oversized, slow-moving fireballs make them a favorite among skywatchers. Sources: EarthSky and Space.com.