Astrology

The Northern Taurids are nearing their annual peak

The Northern Taurid meteor shower is expected to reach its annual peak overnight on November 11-12, Newsweek reports, citing the American Meteor Society. The shower is active from October 20 through December 10, and its bright meteors could be visible across the United States.

The moon is expected to be about 4 percent illuminated during the peak, Newsweek reports, leaving less moonlight to obscure meteors. The Aspen Times gives a different account, reporting that the moon will be more than 90% full on the night of November 12.

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Peak estimates differ by location#

The American Meteor Society's timing differs from an estimate reported by note based on the International Meteor Organization forecast. Converted to Japan Standard Time, that estimate puts the Northern Taurids' peak at around 3:00 AM on November 13. The note article also cites the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan's guidance of around November 13.

Colorado astronomy guide Mark Laurin told The Aspen Times that the shower would peak on the night of November 12, with meteors visible from sunset through sunrise. Laurin is a member of the Denver Astronomical Society and a mentor for Dark Sky Colorado, the newspaper reports.

According to Wikipedia, the Taurids comprise separate Northern and Southern showers. A note says the Southern Taurids peak around November 6, with activity changing gradually and similar meteor counts in the surrounding days.

Forecasts vary across the United States#

National Weather Service forecasts cited by Newsweek point to clear skies Wednesday night around Scottsdale, Arizona, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. The outlook is mostly clear around Stafford and Wichita in Kansas, while the forecast around Spencer, Nebraska, calls for partly cloudy skies.

The outlook is less favorable in other areas. Newsweek reports a chance of rain around Chicago on Wednesday night, while the National Weather Service forecast intermittent rainfall, strong wind gusts and snow in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Boston's Wednesday night forecast calls for partly cloudy skies.

A meteor is the streak of light produced when space debris burns in the atmosphere, The Aspen Times reports. Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris left by a comet or asteroid. Newsweek notes that forecasts can change before Wednesday night and that conditions can vary within individual states.

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