Fireballs Over the Gulf: Taurids Tonight, Leonids Next
Some shows don’t need tickets—just a dark horizon and a patient heart. November’s sky is tossing bright Taurid “fireballs” across the water this week, with the quick-silver Leonids lining up just behind them. Find a stretch of dark beach, face east–southeast after 10 pm, and let your eyes adjust. Count what you catch; wish on what you miss.
When to Look
- Taurids (fireballs, slower, dramatic): active now; best chances through Nov 11–12 (Northern Taurids). Expect modest numbers but occasional very bright meteors. Source: American Meteor Society.
- Leonids (fast, needle-thin streaks): peak Nov 16–17 before dawn. Source: American Meteor Society.
Beach Tips for Better Viewing
- Hug the dark. Dunes at your back, ocean ahead; give eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust.
- Don’t stare at the radiant. Look about 45° to the side for longer trails. Quick explainer: EarthSky.
- Stay simple. Blanket, warm layers, red-light flashlight, thermos. Check wind and surf before you go.
“Sky stories and sea stories share the same stage. Keep it dark, keep it kind, and the universe does the rest.”
Fossils With a Story, Art With a Soul.