Leonid Meteor Shower to Light Up Night Skies This Weekend
North Americans will have a chance to witness one of the most impressive meteor showers of the year as the Leonid meteor shower gets underway this weekend, continuing until the end of November.
What to Expect from the Leonid Meteor Shower
The Leonid meteor shower is known for its bright and fast meteors, making it a popular event among stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts.
Meteor Showers: A Natural Phenomenon
- Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris left behind by a comet
- The particles, known as meteoroids, burn up in Earth's atmosphere, creating streaks of light known as meteors
When to Watch and Where
The Leonid meteor shower will be visible from late-November 16th to November 25th, peaking on the night of November 17th and morning of November 18th.
The best viewing conditions will be in areas with dark skies away from city lights, offering a clearer view of the meteors.
Viewing Tips
- Find a location with minimal light pollution
- Look towards the northeastern sky after midnight
- Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 20-30 minutes before beginning your observation
Experience the Beauty of the Leonid Meteor Shower
If you happen to be in the right place at the right time, you might witness up to 10-20 meteors per hour during the peak of the Leonid meteor shower.
For those in the United States, the best viewing opportunities will be on the night of November 17th and the early hours of November 18th.
Avoiding light pollution and staying up late will increase your chances of seeing the meteor shower's stunning display.
<small>Source: BBC Science — read the original story there.</small>
