Multiple meteor showers and 'fireballs' peak over Metro Vancouver this November

Stargazers in Metro Vancouver have several meteor showers to watch in November. The Orionid shower peaked on Oct. 25. The Northern Taurids are producing shooting stars now and peak Nov. 12, continuing until about Dec. 10. The Southern Taurids are a two-month shower with a double peak, the first in October and the second on Nov. 4 to 5. The second peak is not especially productive, producing around 10 shooting stars an hour, but it is known for fireballs.

NASA defines a fireball as a meteor significantly brighter than average, with larger explosions of light and colour that persist longer than a normal streak. The American Meteorological Society compares their brightness to Venus in the morning or evening sky. Some observers report vivid colours, and sonic booms and electrophonic sounds are very rarely reported. Southern Taurid meteors enter the atmosphere at about 17 miles per second (27 km per second), according to Livescience.com, and their slow speed means they can be visible for longer and leave glowing trails.

Rosanna Tilbrook, an astronomer at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, told Vancouver Is Awesome that the best November shower is the Leonids. In her words: "The best November meteor shower is the Leonids, which will be active from the 6th to the 3rd of November, peaking around the 18th." The Leonids can produce up to 13 meteors per hour at their peak, with the best viewing in dawn skies after the Moon has set. The Leonids are active from Nov. 3 to Dec. 2 and can produce bright meteors with persistent trains, called earth grazers, that streak close to the horizon.

For viewing, the source suggests getting away from city lights, using a red filter over a flashlight, dressing warmly, reclining on a blanket, bringing a hot drink, and being patient.