Shooting Stars in November 2008 UK: Taurids meteor shower
Between 5th and 12th November this year, there will be more shooting stars than normal entering the Earth’s atmosphere. The annual Taurids meteor shower, first discovered in 1869, marks the time when the Earth passes through the dust trail of comet Encke. The stream of debris left behind is the largest in the inner solar system and it takes several weeks for the Earth to pass through it giving an extended period of activity. You should expect to see around 20 shooting stars an hour in the region of Taurus - hence the name of the shower. This will be best seen from the Northern hemisphere and there may even be some fireballs!
Find a clear night in the Northern hemisphere and look up!
If you really want to see the stars at their best, there’s a special curry night at Herstmonceux Observatory, which costs £20.95 for tickets. Herstmonceux, Hailsham, BN27 1RN. Contact 01323 832731. Click here for more information.
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hi,
when i was walking my granddaughters dog at 6.30 this morning ,i saw what i think was a shooting star,is this common ? ,as its the first time that i,ve seen one so clear.
anthony jones.
Yep. I’ve seen loads lately because I live in a rural area without much light pollution. I even saw one break up - a “fireball” - where you can actually see bits breaking off as the object enters the atmosphere. At the height of these showers there will be about 20 sightings an hour - which is quite a lot. We are also entering another meteor shower called The Giminids on 12th December 2008. According to the Observatory Science Centre they are the most reliable shooting stars - just look towards Gemini!