September 28 – December 2 · Taurus
Taurids
The Halloween fireballs
See the Taurids from your location
See the exact local peak time and how high the radiant climbs from where you are.
What is the Taurids meteor shower?
Never many meteors, but famously bright — the Taurids are known for slow, brilliant fireballs that can light up the whole sky. Active for weeks around Halloween, they're sometimes called the 'Halloween fireballs'.
When do the Taurids peak in 2026?
The Taurids peak on the night of November 5, 2026. Under ideal dark skies with the radiant high overhead they can produce up to 5 meteors an hour — the number you'll actually see depends on your latitude, the moon, and how dark your sky is.
Taurids at a glance
Where the Taurids come from
The Taurids are debris shed by 2P/Encke, a comet. Each year the Earth ploughs through this ancient trail of dust and the specks burn up in our atmosphere as meteors.
How to watch the Taurids
Get away from city lights
Light pollution is the enemy. A dark rural sky can turn a handful of meteors into dozens.
Look up after midnight
Most showers are best between midnight and dawn, when your side of Earth turns to face the debris stream head-on.
Let your eyes adapt
Give your eyes 20 minutes in the dark and put the phone away. Then just watch — meteors can streak across any part of the sky.
Common questions about the Taurids
When do the Taurids peak in 2026?+
The Taurids reach their maximum on the night of November 5, 2026, though a few meteors are visible from September 28 – December 2.
Where should I look to see the Taurids?+
The meteors radiate from the constellation Taurus, but they streak across the whole sky — you don't need to find the radiant. Just face the darkest part of your sky and take in as much of it as you can.
Do I need a telescope to watch the Taurids?+
No. Meteor showers are a naked-eye event — a telescope's narrow view would only work against you. All you need is a dark sky, a reclining chair, and some patience.
What causes the Taurids?+
The Taurids happen when Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by 2P/Encke. The dust grains hit our atmosphere at 27 km/s and burn up as bright streaks of light.
Other meteor showers
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