Texas is home to some of the nation’s darkest skies, and this week, you’ll have a front-row seat to a spectacular celestial event. Known as the Southern Taurid Meteor Shower, this incredible phenomenon peaks in mid-October each year (but it’s visible through the end of November!) Here’s everything you need to know about this can’t-miss stargazing opportunity:

Occurring annually, the Taurids are a meteor shower with two separate components: Northern and Southern. The latter peaks in late October, earning it the nickname “Halloween fireballs.”

Flickr/folioroad

An ancient comet called Encke is responsible for the Southern Taurids. It was recognized in 1819 and completes an orbit around the sun once every 3.3 years.

Wikipedia/NASA/JPL-Caltech/M. Kelley (Univ. of Minnesota)

Taurids is a derivative of Taurus, the constellation from which the shower appears to originate. You can faintly make out the image of a bull by connecting the brightest stars in this photo.

Wikipedia/IndividusObservantis

Both Encke and the Taurids are believed to be remnants of a much larger comet that has disintegrated over the past ~30,000 years. This celestial body broke into several pieces and continues releasing material into the universe.

Wikipedia/Gil-Estel

This stream of matter is by far the largest in our solar system, which means the Taurids are lengthier than most meteor showers. Although last night was the peak, you’ll be able to see activity through November 20 (and December 10 for the Northern portion.)

Flickr/ikewinski

Be on the lookout for bolides, or extremely bright meteors that can give off light as intense as the full moon. These are common during the Taurids, as all it takes are rocks larger than mere pebbles.

Flickr/ikewinski

Isolated places like Big Bend are your best bet for a clear field of vision, especially in light of the expected interference. We’re not saying you should trek all the way out to West Texas, but try and get to the nearest possible remote location.

Flickr/photo_art

Have you witnessed the Southern Taurid Meteor Shower in Texas? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience! Check out our previous article to learn more about stargazing in the Lone Star State.

Flickr/folioroad

Wikipedia/NASA/JPL-Caltech/M. Kelley (Univ. of Minnesota)

Wikipedia/IndividusObservantis

Wikipedia/Gil-Estel

Flickr/ikewinski

Flickr/photo_art

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.