Northern Taurids peak tonight: how to watch the fireball shower in Turkey

Grab a jacket and a warm drink. The Northern Taurid meteor shower, which astronomers sometimes call a "fireball" shower, reaches its peak this week, and Turkey is among the places where you can see it.

What is happening?

The Taurids come in two streams every autumn: the Southern and the Northern. The Southern Taurids peaked in the first days of November. Now it's the Northern stream's turn.

The streaks come from debris left behind by Comet Encke. When that debris burns up in our atmosphere, it leaves bright trails across the sky.

The peak is expected overnight from Wednesday 11 November into Thursday 12 November. The show should be strongest after midnight.

When and where should you look?

The best window is between 02:00 and 05:00. Face east and southeast, towards the constellation Taurus, which gives the shower its name.

This year's peak falls close to the new moon, so moonlight won't wash out the fainter meteors. That's good news for viewers.

You don't need a telescope or binoculars. Just head somewhere dark, away from city lights, with a clear view of the sky.

Tips for a better view

Give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Keep your phone screen dimmed or put it away. You'll spot far more meteors that way.

What's next?

If clouds get in the way tonight, the show will keep going in the hours around the peak, but the best chances are in those early morning hours. Pick a clear spot, lie back and look east.