Northern Taurids Meteor Shower to Peak Nov. 11-12
The Northern Taurids, known for bright fireballs, are expected to peak over Illinois around November 11-12, 2026.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Space
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The Northern Taurids meteor shower is set to peak over Illinois around November 11-12, 2026, producing about five meteors per hour. The shower is known for bright fireballs and has a longer peak lasting about a week.
Why it matters
The shower's extended peak gives skywatchers in Illinois multiple opportunities to observe the meteors. Its bright fireballs, comparable in brightness to a full moon, make it a notable event for stargazers in the state.
The forecast is based on astronomical predictions of about five meteors per hour, with the Northern Taurids' longer peak lasting about a week. Viewing depends on weather, and a slight chance of thunderstorms is forecast in Belleville on Wednesday night.
The players
St. Louis Astronomical Society
A regional astronomy group that holds public meetings and educational programs for stargazers in the St. Louis area.
The details
The meteors appear to originate from the constellation Taurus but can appear in any part of the sky. The shower is active throughout most of the night, and the peak coincides with a new moon phase near November 9, which favors darker skies for viewing.
Timeline
Early November 2026: Southern Taurids meteor shower peaked.
November 9, 2026: New moon phase near the Northern Taurids peak.
November 11-12, 2026: Northern Taurids meteor shower peaks.
November 20, 2026: St. Louis Astronomical Society meeting, 7:30-10 p.m., open to the public.
Season Patterns
The Northern Taurids follow the Southern Taurids, which peaked in early November, as two parts of the same Taurid meteor complex tied to Comet Encke. Their overlapping timing makes the autumn period a sustained window for meteor activity.
Illinois skywatchers can plan viewing for the peak nights, though Wednesday night carries a slight chance of thunderstorms in Belleville. Clear forecasts for Monday and Tuesday nights make those evenings the strongest options for observing the meteors.
The takeaway
Viewing the Northern Taurids is most practical on clear nights near the peak, so checking the local forecast before heading out improves the chances of seeing the bright fireballs. The shower's longer peak also gives observers more than one night to try.
What happens next
The St. Louis Astronomical Society meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2026, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Washington University's McDonnell Hall, and a beaver moon supermoon follows on November 24, 2026.
Further reading
For more on skywatching events, see Space coverage.
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