The best chances to see 2 meteor showers in SC are coming soon. Here’s when to watch

If you’d like to see some shooting stars over South Carolina and maybe make a wish or two, there are two great chances coming up this month.

The peaks of both the North Taurids meteor shower and the Leonids meteor shower will happen in November.

North Taurids

The North Taurids peak will be the earlier of the two meteor showers, happening on Nov. 12. The Taurids run from approximately Oct. 20 through Nov. 30.

According to spacetourismguide.com, on the night of peak activity, you can spot up to 10 meteors per hour.

Normally, the Toured meteor shower is fairly subdued, the American Meteor Society states. This year could be different, with an increase in fireball activity — something astronomers have noticed happens with the meteor shower every seven years. Both 2008 and 2015 produced quality fireball activity and 2022 would be the next chance in the cycle.

How to watch

To spot the meteors, look for the Taurids radiant point in the constellation of Taurus in the eastern sky. The shower should be on display throughout the night.

Leonids

The Leonids meteor shower also happens every November, but it’s peak happens later on Nov. 17.

NASA states that the Leonids are considered to be a major shower, with bright meteors that can also be colorful. They are also fast, traveling at speeds of 44 miles per second. Leonids are also known for their fireballs.

How to watch

To view the Leonids, start around midnight and get to an area away from city or street lights. Orient yourself with your feet toward the east, lie flat on your back and look up.

Be patient if you don’t see meteors immediately. The show should last until dawn.

Where meteors come from

Meteors are leftover comet particles and broken pieces of asteroids. When comets move around the sun, the dust they emit eventually spreads into a trail around their orbits. Every year the Earth passes through these debris trails, allowing bits to collide with the atmosphere, creating fiery streaks in the sky.