ORLANDO, Fla. — The Taurid meteor shower is peaking across Florida on Thursday night, November 5. Good to great viewing conditions are expected across nearly the entire state. Viewing is possible from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., with the peak from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. At the peak, skywatchers could see about 4 to 6 meteors per hour.
Great Conditions Along the East Coast and South Florida
The best viewing conditions are expected across eastern and southern Florida. That includes Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Orlando, Melbourne, and West Palm Beach. Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and the Florida Keys are also in the great category.
Areas around Lake Okeechobee and southwest Florida near Naples and Fort Myers also look great. Clear skies should make it easy to spot meteors. Light winds will help make viewing comfortable.
Good Viewing for West and North Florida
Much of west and north Florida is expected to have good viewing conditions. That includes Tampa, St. Petersburg, Gainesville, and Ocala. The Panhandle, including Tallahassee, Panama City, and Pensacola, also looks good.
A few clouds may drift across the sky at times in these areas. Still, plenty of breaks should allow for clear views. Patience will help catch more meteors.
Small Area With Okay Conditions
A small area in northeast Florida, near the St. Marys River along the Georgia border, is rated okay. Some clouds could limit the view there. Skywatchers in that area may want to drive a short distance south for clearer skies…