November brings in a nighttime bonanza with three back-to-back active meteor showers, offering a chance for skywatchers to see shooting stars light up the sky. Beginning with the Southern Taurids meteor shower, which is slated to grace the sky on the first week of November 2024, comes the Leonids meteor shower, followed by the Orionid meteor shower. Keen astronomy lovers know that both Taurid and Leonid meteor showers are annual celestial events that shower the skies over a period of weeks, but their visibility peaks in November, making this month the best time to try to spot them up above. So, how can you watch the shooting stars trio - Taurid, Leonid and Orionid, gracing the night sky? What more should you know about these meteor showers? From Taurid, Leonid and Orionid meteor showers 2024 dates to other significant details, we have got you covered. 'Ever Feel Like Someone's Watching You?': NASA's Perseverance Rover Captures 'Googly Eye' During Solar Eclipse As Phobos Passes in Front of the Sun.

Taurid, Leonid and Orionid Meteor Showers 2024 Dates

The Southern Taurids meteor shower will peak on November 5, followed by the Northern Taurids, also known as the Leonid meteor shower, which is expected to peak on the night of November 17 to November 18. Meanwhile, the Orionid meteors can be seen until November 22. Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Still Visible in Night Sky: When and Where to See Comet A3? Details Here.

Taurids Meteor Shower

The Taurid meteor shower is caused by debris from the comet Encke. The Taurids are visible anywhere on Earth except for the South Pole. According to NASA, the best time to look for Taurids is after midnight, when Taurus is high in the sky and the sky is clear and dark, with no moonlight to mask the fainter meteors.

Leonids Meteor Shower

The Leonid meteor shower is annually active in November and usually peaks around November 17 or November 18. The shower is named Leonids because it is radiant, emerging from the constellation of Leo and producing about 15 meteors per hour. The Leonids are produced by the dust grains left behind by comet Tempel-Tuttle. The best viewing time for the Leonid meteor shower is in the early hours of the morning or after midnight.

Orionids Meteor Shower

The Orionids meteor shower is one of two meteor showers associated with Halley's Comet. The annual celestial display will be seen until November 22, following its peak on October 20. The best time to view the Orionids is any time after midnight when the constellation Orion is high in the sky. The shooting stars display will be visible in all parts of the world.

As you are aware about the dates and best viewing, enjoy the trio of celestial events as the shooting stars grace the night sky.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 04, 2024 11:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).