Southern Taurids Set for a Second Peak on November 4–5

The Southern Taurids are forecast to reach their second peak of 2026 overnight November 4–5. The Northern Taurids are predicted to peak the following week, overnight November 11–12.

Key details

• The Southern Taurids are active from September 20 to November 20; the Northern Taurids run from October 20 to December 10.
• Each branch could produce up to five meteors per hour near its peak, according to the forecast.
• The Taurids appear to radiate from Taurus, which rises in the southeastern sky on November evenings.
• Both branches are associated with debris from Comet Encke.

The Southern Taurids could produce up to five meteors per hour near their November 4–5 peak.

Why it matters

The Taurids can produce bright fireballs, with some meteors described as capable of outshining Venus. For viewing, the guidance recommends a dark location and watching a broad area of sky rather than focusing on Taurus.