Skywatchers, rejoice! The Leonid Meteor Shower will brighten the night skies once again, as it peaks on the evening of Nov. 17 until the early morning of Nov. 18. This year’s sky event will also benefit from the upcoming new moon, making it much easier to see the meteors.
According to Space.com, this year’s meteor shower will likely generate 10 to 20 meteors per hour. Although this is not as spectacular as the meteor storms in 2001, it is always a sight to see.
When And How To Watch The Leonid Meteor Shower
The best place to watch the Leonids is in the northern hemisphere. Astronomers however say that those who live in the southern hemisphere will get a good show as well especially with the new moon. It will peak on the evening of Nov. 17 and will go on until the wee hours of dawn on Nov. 18.
To catch them, skywatchers must find a comfortable place to lie down or sit back and gaze at the night sky. It best to find a viewpoint that is also far from artificial lights such as city and street lights – these may drown out the meteors.
One must turn their gaze near the constellation of Leo, as this is where the Leonids radiate from (thus the name). Be ready to spend at least two hours outside. No special equipment is needed as meteors can be seen by the naked eye.
What Causes The Leonid Meteor Shower?
The Leonids are an annual occurrence, and it happens every time the Earth passes the orbit of the comet Tempel-Tuttle. Meteors are actually particles of debris which burn up when it enters the Earth’s atmosphere.