SAN DIEGO ( KSWB/KUSI ) — Trick-or-treaters may get a “spooky” surprise in the skies on Halloween night in the form of the Taurid meteor shower.
Known to fly in “swarms,” the Taurids are visible each year from September through November due to dust and debris left behind by the comet Encke, according to NASA .
Based on the behavior of previous Taurid swarms, there could be increased fireball activity this week and into the first two weeks of November. Fireballs are meteors that appear larger and brighter due to the presence of a higher concentration of debris.
‘Halloween comet’ breaks up close to the sun, dashing hopes of spook day sighting
According to EarthSky.org , only 1% of all Taurid meteors are fireballs. However, in years when the Earth passes through more debris, the percentage may go up to 7%.
The increase in activity is due to the overlap of the North and South Taurids, which each produce about five meteors per hour.
The ideal time to view Taurid meteor showers is under dark skies with no moon.