The Taurid meteor shower is here, and you could describe the show as a high-risk, high-reward skywatching activity where catching a fireball is the name of the game.

The Taurids are a lower-quantity, higher-quality show. They’re a slow burn with low rates and slow-moving meteors but weeks of activity. 

But one of the best aspects of the Taurids is the possibility of awe-inducing fireballs. Catching one of these could be the best “shooting star” you see all year.

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Here’s what you need to know.

What are the Taurids?

The Taurids get their name from the constellation Taurus, which is where the meteors appear to originate in the sky. 

They come in two phases, the Southern Taurids and Northern Taurids. These also get their names for where you'll find them in the sky — on either the northern or southern side of the Taurus constellation.

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The Taurids are produced by Comet Encke and are small bits of space rock that burn up as they enter our atmosphere.

The shower only produces a handful of meteors per hour, approximately five. But if you catch the occasional bright fireball, the wait can be very worthwhile.

(MORE: How to spot a fireball in Taurids meteor shower)

Those will appear as larger explosions of light and color and can last longer in the sky before fading than an average meteor streak.

Some years produce more fireballs than others; this one is about average. The next predicted Taurid fireball swarm isn’t expected until 2032.

When can I see the Taurids?

The Taurids pass through every year around October and November and persist in the sky for weeks at a time — this year until about Nov. 20.

This year, the peak for the Southern Taurids is around the night of Nov. 5, and the peak for the Northern Taurids is around Nov. 11. You can also check the skies the nights before and after too.

Visibility of meteors depends primarily on the level of darkness — and therefore the brightness of the moon — and cloud cover.

For the Southern Taurids, the moon will be a 17%-illuminated waning crescent, which shouldn’t hurt the visibility much. The moon will also not be in the sky most of the night, rising just a couple of hours before dawn, which will help.

As for cloud cover, here’s a map with our latest forecast:

For the Northern Taurids, conditions for viewing them will be amazing. That’s because the moon will be nearly new, a slim 5%-illuminated waxing crescent — making for a very dark sky.

And for cloud cover, here’s a map with our latest forecast:

Tips for meteor shower viewing

Here’s a full guide with all of the best tips for watching a meteor shower. 

(MORE: Wishing on a star: the best way to watch a meteor shower)

Here are a few key tips:

• Look for an open sky, unobstructed by trees or buildings, in a rural or non-light-polluted area. 
• Check for good weather before you head out. 
• Give your eyes at least 20 minutes of complete darkness to adjust — no phones or flashlights — to see them best.

Content writer Ada Wood enjoys exploring the stories that science and climate teach us about our natural world and how it influences the way we live in it.