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How to Detect Fireballs?
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How to Detect Fireballs?

A meteor shower known for its fiery fireballs will be visible in the sky this week.

according to American Meteor SocietyThe seasonal Southern Taurids meteor shower will be visible at its peak on Monday evening, November 4, with space fans getting the best visibility early Tuesday morning, just after midnight.

Although the Taurus Mountains, along with its companion arm, the Northern Taurus Mountains, are active throughout the autumn months, both generally peak around November, AMS said.

EarthSky He reported that the best way to view these meteor showers is in a dark environment, with the moon only 11% full Monday night.

Director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, Dr. “Patience is great, especially with these downpours,” said Shannon Schmoll. CNNHe added that people should “go outside when the weather is clear and grab a comfy chair and something warm, maybe some hot cocoa, and just lay down and watch the sky.”

Taurids, which take their name from their proximity to the Taurus constellation, are also known for their flaming fireballs. NASAMade from , Encke’s cometwreck Fireballs occur when meteors are over 3 feet in size, making the flames brighter and more visible from Earth.

Meteor showers, which turn into meteor storms when there are at least 1,000 meteors per hour, occur when comets orbit around the solar system and create debris piles. When they enter the Earth’s atmosphere, they burn, causing meteors to form. If a larger piece falls to Earth, it becomes a meteorite.

“If you have larger pieces of material, it takes longer to burn, so there’s a brighter, longer streak; the fireball is one of those (relatively) larger ones,” Schmoll said, according to CNN.

Orionid meteors were seen in 2015.

Costfoto/Future Publishing via Getty Images


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Although the Tauruses occur regularly, they only experience major storms every three or seven years. Officials estimate the next major activity will occur in 2025.

A new meteor shower is on the way for stargazers who missed the Southern Taurus Mountains on Monday night. NASA The Leonids, a seasonal phenomenon named after the constellation Leo, will reach peak visibility around midnight local time on Monday, November 18. The Northern Taurus Mountains will also reach their peak on Monday night, November 11; However, due to the bright moon, visibility may not be that good.

“Find an area away from the city or street lights. Come prepared for winter temperatures with a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair.” NASA Recommended to Leonid viewers. “Point your feet east, lie on your back, and look up, seeing as much of the sky as possible.”

“In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adjust and you will begin to see meteors,” the agency added. “Be patient; the show will last until the morning, so you have plenty of time to take a look.”