Northern Taurids peak tonight — two nights of slow, golden fireballs
The Northern Taurid meteor shower reaches its peak on the night of Nov. 11–12, 2025, offering two nights to spot slow, yellow-orange meteors and occasional bright fireballs. The shower originates from debris left by Comet Encke and is known for producing larger fragments than many other showers, which is why observers sometimes see spectacular fireballs.
What to expect
The Taurids are a relatively slow and colorful shower. Typical rates are about 5–10 meteors per hour, with the potential to reach approximately 15 per hour near the peak. Meteors often appear yellowish-orange and seem to radiate from the constellation Taurus, near the bright star Aldebaran and the small Pleiades cluster.
Two Taurid streams are active this season: the Southern Taurids (which peaked on Nov. 4–5 but remain active through Nov. 20, 2025) and the Northern Taurids (active Oct. 20–Dec. 10, 2025, peaking Nov. 11–12). The overlap of these streams can intensify the number of bright fireballs in nights leading up to and around the peak.
Best time and where to look
For most viewers, the best time to watch is after midnight and into the pre-dawn hours. Taurus climbs into view a couple of hours after sunset (low in the east) and can be nearly overhead around local 1:30 a.m. Allow 20–30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the dark and look broadly across the sky; meteors will trace back to the Taurid radiant in Taurus rather than appearing only in one spot.
This year, Wednesday night (Nov. 12–13) may offer an especially good observing window because several hours of moonless darkness are expected after the moon rises late in the night. Up until the moon comes up, observers could see up to roughly 15 Taurid meteors per hour during the peak.
How meteor showers work
Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through the path of debris left by a comet or asteroid. Those fragments — called meteoroids — enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speed and burn up, producing streaks of light commonly called shooting stars. Meteoroids range from dust-sized grains to larger rocks; the Taurids are notable for containing proportionally many larger fragments, hence the increased chance of fireballs.
Leonids overlap and timing
The Leonid meteor shower is also active Nov. 6–30, peaking on the morning of Nov. 18. The Leonids originate from Comet Tempel–Tuttle and typically produce fast, bright streaks that appear to come from the constellation Leo. This overlap in November can make for an exciting season of multiple shower activity.
Viewing tips
- Find a dark location away from city lights.
- Dress warmly and bring a reclining chair or blanket so you can watch comfortably with a wide field of view.
- Give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust to the dark; avoid looking at phone screens.
- Look anywhere in the sky — meteors can appear in any direction and will trace back to Taurus.
- Peak viewing: after midnight until dawn on the nights of Nov. 11–12 and Nov. 12–13, 2025.
Moon phases and calendar notes
Moon phases for late 2025: Full Moon — Nov. 5; Last Quarter — Nov. 12; New Moon — Nov. 20; First Quarter — Nov. 28; Full Moon — Dec. 4 (a 'cold supermoon'). The winter solstice is Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025.
Observer note: Peak rates quoted are approximate and vary with local conditions, light pollution, and latitude. For precise times of moonrise, moonset, and the best local viewing windows, check a local astronomical almanac or sky app.
By Maria Francis — originally appeared on NorthJersey.com
