The Leonid meteor shower is a spectacular event that occurs annually as Earth passes through debris left behind by the Tempel-Tuttle comet. This year, the shower coincides with a new moon, providing optimal viewing conditions for sky gazers. While the shower may not produce hundreds of meteors per hour, it is still worth taking the time to witness this mesmerizing display.
Meteor showers are a result of Earth’s orbit intersecting with debris in space, causing dust particles to enter our atmosphere and burn up, creating streaks of light known as shooting stars. The Leonids originate from the Tempel-Tuttle comet, which orbits the sun every 33 years. During close encounters with Earth, the Leonids can turn into a meteor storm with thousands of meteors visible per hour. The last storm occurred in 2002, so we may have to wait another decade for such a spectacular event.
The peak of the Leonid meteor shower is expected on the evening of November 17th, extending into the early hours of the 18th. With November’s new moon occurring shortly after on the 20th, the dark sky will provide optimal conditions for viewing the meteors. The best time to observe the shower is just after midnight, regardless of your location. While the peak may be gradual, it is advisable to look for meteors on the days surrounding the 17th for the best chance of seeing them.
Despite being named after the constellation Leo, you do not need to locate Leo in the sky to witness the Leonids. However, Leo is easily recognizable with its distinctive backwards question mark shape and is visible from most parts of the world. If you need help locating Leo, there are various apps available to assist you in identifying the constellation.
To fully enjoy the meteor shower, it is recommended to dress warmly and find a comfortable spot to observe the sky. Minimize light pollution by moving away from city lights or turning off unnecessary lighting. Take the time to relax, gaze at the stars, and appreciate the beauty of nature’s celestial display.
For more insightful articles on astronomy and other scientific topics, visit newscientist.com/maker. Abigail Beall, a features editor at New Scientist and author of The Art of Urban Astronomy, provides valuable insights and updates on celestial events. Follow her on Twitter @abbybeall for more fascinating discoveries in the world of science.
