Residents of Qatar will have an opportunity to watch the Northern Taurid meteor shower on Thursday evening, November 12, 2026, as the annual celestial event reaches its peak and continues until dawn on Friday, November 13.

According to the Qatar Calendar House, November is a month that witnesses several meteor showers, including the Northern Taurids. Dr Bashir Marzouq, astronomer at the Qatar Calendar House, confirmed that the meteor shower is expected to reach its peak between November 12 and 13.

The Northern Taurid meteor shower is active every year from October 20 to December 10, with its peak usually occurring around November 12 and 13.

The meteor shower can be observed with the naked eye from Qatar, without the need for telescopes or other astronomical equipment. Residents are advised to look towards the eastern horizon after 10 pm on Thursday, with viewing opportunities continuing until dawn on Friday.

This year’s viewing conditions are expected to be favourable, as the Moon will be in its waxing crescent phase and will set at 6:59 pm on Thursday, leaving the sky darker during the main observation period.

At its peak, the Northern Taurid meteor shower is expected to produce around 12 meteors per hour. For the best viewing experience, residents are encouraged to choose locations away from artificial lights and environmental pollution.

The Northern Taurid meteor shower originates from Comet Encke. As Earth travels around the Sun, it passes through dust particles left behind by the comet. When these particles enter Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up and create bright flashes of light across the night sky, appearing like fireworks.