{
  "id": 8957329,
  "title": "One of the longest-running meteor showers of the year has begun: How to get the best views of the Southern Taurids",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/one-of-the-longest-running-meteor-showers-of-the-year-has-begun-how",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-21T16:06:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Science",
    "slug": "live-science",
    "url": "https://www.livescience.com/space/meteoroids/one-of-the-longest-running-meteor-showers-of-the-year-has-begun-how-to-get-the-best-views-of-the-southern-taurids"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "One of the year's longest-running meteor showers, the Southern Taurids, commenced on September 20, 2021, bringing occasional shooting stars to the night sky. The shower, which continues until November 20, is known for producing fireballs, bright meteors that leave glowing trails as they burn through Earth's atmosphere. While only about five to 10 meteors per hour are typically seen during peak activity, these fireballs are rare and spectacular.\n\nThe Southern Taurids are associated with debris left behind by Comet 2P/Encke in the inner solar system. They form half of the broader Taurid meteor complex, which also includes the Northern Taurids, an additional shower that becomes active later in the fall. Earth encounters debris from both these showers during a specific period each year.\n\nAlthough meteor activity starts in September, the best views of the Southern Taurids will not be seen until late October through early November. Peak rates of meteors are usually slightly stronger than normal this year, with the most impressive fireballs expected around November 4-5. For optimal viewing, moonless nights like those on October 13-14 and November 5 are ideal. However, a clear sky is also crucial.\n\nThe meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Taurus, which gets higher in the sky as the night progresses. One does not need to stare directly at Taurus to see meteors; any part of the sky will do as long as it's unobstructed. While stargazing binoculars and telescopes are not helpful for spotting meteors, they might be useful for other celestial events that occur this fall.\n\nSouthern Taurid meteors are observable from both hemispheres, but Northern Hemisphere observers generally have better viewing conditions due to the shower's radiant being close to the ecliptic. Don't expect spectacular celestial fireworks, but the Southern Taurids' slow-burning nature makes them a worthwhile sight if you're outdoors after dark this fall.",
  "summary": "The Southern Taurid meteor shower, one of the longest-running meteor showers of the year, is on from now until late November. Here are the two peak nights to watch for.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}