The Taurids meteor shower arrives in Spain: The night you can see fireballs in the sky
This incredible meteor show will peak in the skies over Spain on Tuesday November 11
The Taurids, one of the most anticipated meteor showers of autumn, reach their peak tonight, Tuesday November 11, and will be visible from all over Spain, weather permitting. While not a particularly abundant shower, it is one of the brightest, with meteors so luminous they often resemble fireballs streaking across the sky, making it a truly spectacular event that you won't want to miss.
This phenomenon happens every year around this time, but 2025 is a bit special. According to the Spanish Astronomical Association, the Taurid meteor shower is occurring in two distinct branches, one northern and one southern, which increases the chances of seeing meteors throughout the month.
Although the peak occurs tonight, between November 11 and 12, some flashes will still be visible until November 25.
The Association's president, Miguel Gilarte, explains that although the number of meteors per hour will be low, the brightness and intensity of some of them will make it worthwhile to go out and have a look. These so-called fireballs can be as luminous as the full moon, making the Taurids one of the most photogenic meteor showers in the astronomical calendar.
Fireballs are exceptionally bright meteors, caused by larger fragments. They can sometimes leave a visible trail for several seconds, and even produce small flashes of greenish or orange light as they disintegrate. Their glow is so intense that, in areas without light pollution, they can briefly illuminate the landscape like lightning.
When and how to see the Taurid meteor shower from Spain
The peak of the Northern Taurid meteor shower will occur tonight, with an expected rate of about five meteors per hour. Unlike other more intense showers such as the Perseids or Geminids, the key here isn't the quantity but the spectacular nature of the meteors. They enter the atmosphere at speeds close to 105,000 kilometres per hour, leaving long, luminous trails in their wake.
The Moon, currently in its waning crescent phase, will rise at around 11pm, making the early evening hours the best time for observation. Until then, the sky will be dark enough to enjoy the phenomenon without interference from its brightness. The Spanish Astronomical Association recommends starting observation as soon as night falls, especially between 8pm and 11pm, looking east towards the constellation Taurus, the point from which the meteors appear to originate.
No telescope or binoculars are needed. In fact, experts advise viewing them with the naked eye, lying down or reclining, and avoiding artificial city lights. The darker the surroundings, the better.
Weather permitting, conditions will be especially favourable in rural or mountainous areas, far from light pollution.
A rain divided in two: north and south
The Taurid meteor showers have a unique behaviour. Unlike other showers that are concentrated in just a few days, this one extends over almost a full month, with two distinct peaks. The first occurred between November 3 and 4, corresponding to the southern Taurids, and the second is happening now, with the northern Taurids.
Both share the same origin and characteristics, but their trajectories vary slightly due to the gravitational pull of Jupiter, which over time has divided the stream of particles into two branches.
The meteors we see are fragments shed from comet 2P/Encke, which astronomers know well. This comet, discovered in 1786, has the shortest known orbital period, completing its orbit around the Sun every three years.
During this journey, it crosses the orbits of Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars, leaving behind a vast amount of dust and debris that, upon entering our atmosphere, become the bright Taurid meteor shower.
And although the meteor forecast is not high, the opportunity to see a fireball crossing the sky without the aid of a telescope is something few forget.
Image: NASA
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