🌠 Taurids Meteor Shower 2026
A long-running, low-rate shower actually made of two overlapping streams (Southern and Northern Taurids) from debris tied to Comet 2P/Encke. Rates are modest, but the Taurids are well known for producing an unusually high share of bright fireballs.
Peak night: Thursday, November 5, 2026 · Radiant: Taurus · Source: Comet 2P/Encke
Viewing Conditions for the Taurids
Peak Night
November 5, 2026
Theoretical Rate
Up to 5/hour
Moon on Peak Night
Waning Crescent (18% lit)
Moon Impact
Minimal interference
Where to Look
Toward Taurus, which rises in the east during evening hours in autumn and is well placed for most of the night by late October and November.
Best Time
Any time after Taurus has risen well above the horizon, typically mid-to-late evening through midnight, on nights closest to either peak.
Active Sep 23 through Dec 2, 2026, favoring the Northern Hemisphere. Moon on peak night: Waning Crescent, 18% illuminated.
Viewing Tips
- →The Southern Taurids peak around November 5 and the Northern Taurids around November 12 — both streams overlap for weeks, so activity stays low but steady across early November rather than producing one sharp peak.
- →Rates are low (roughly 5 per hour at best), but the Taurids are disproportionately known for bright fireballs, so patience can pay off with a memorable sighting even on a quiet night.
- →Because the shower runs for over two months, check the Moon phase for whichever night you plan to watch rather than assuming the peak date is your only option.
📷 Photography Tips
- →Wide-angle framing toward Taurus, with a long, continuous shooting session to improve the odds of catching a rare bright fireball.
- →Since rates are low, patience matters more than exact timing — sessions spanning several hours across the activity window can be more productive than one short session on the exact peak night.
Live sky conditions for your exact location, including cloud cover: Sky Tonight.
Gear That Helps (Optional)
Meteor showers are a naked-eye event — you don't need anything to watch the Taurids. Binoculars can help you explore the sky between meteors, or get a closer look at the shower's radiant area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there two Taurid peaks?+
The Taurids are actually two related streams -- the Southern Taurids (peaking around November 5) and the Northern Taurids (around November 12) -- both originating from debris associated with Comet 2P/Encke, which is why activity stays elevated across early November rather than producing one sharp peak.
Are the Taurids worth watching despite the low rate?+
Yes, for a different reason than high-rate showers: the Taurids are known for producing an unusually high proportion of bright fireballs relative to their overall low rate, making even a quiet night worth a look.