Nov
7
Fire in the sky – keep an eye out!
Filed Under Science & Astronomy on November 7, 2005 at 4:58 pm
This time of the year astronomers know to expect the Taurid meteor shower. It is usually a rather bland affair with a peak rate of about 10 shooting stars per-hour but this year is proving to be quite different. In the late 90s Dr. David Asher from Armagh Observatory predicted that in 2005 there would be a fireball storm from the Taurids. Turns out he was right!
I’ve only done a little observing over the past few nights because of bad weather but in a total of about an hours observing time I’ve seen 4 very bright Taurids and one fireball about as bright as the full moon. Basically, keep an eye out over the next few days if you’re outside at night, you could get the show of your life!