“This year’s Leonid meteor shower coincides almost perfectly with the new moon…”
Walter Pacholka, Astronomical/Scientific Photo Library
Watching a meteor shower is a captivating experience, in part due to the unpredictability of these events. Even under ideal conditions, the sight can be overwhelming, especially when forecasts predict hundreds of meteors per hour. However, gathering with friends to witness this celestial display can make it special, even if only a few shooting stars appear.
This year’s Leonid meteor shower aligns perfectly with the new moon, offering an excellent opportunity to see numerous meteors streaking across the sky. While it may not reach hundreds each hour, I highly encourage you to take a look.
Meteor showers happen at the same time annually because they align with Earth’s orbit around the sun, bringing in debris remnants from comets and asteroids. This results in an influx of dust particles entering the atmosphere, creating brilliant flashes as they burn up.
The Leonid meteor shower originates from the remnants left by Comet Tempel-Tuttle, a 3.6-kilometer-wide comet that orbits the sun every 33 years. During peak times, the Leonid shower transforms into a meteor storm, showcasing thousands of meteors per hour. The last storm occurred in 2002, so another isn’t expected for another decade.
If you’re fortunate, you might witness a meteor like the one shown in the image. The Leonid meteor shower begins on November 6 and lasts through the end of the month, peaking from the evening of November 17 to the morning of November 18. With the new moon on November 20, the moon will be a thin waning crescent during the peak of the shower. For the best view, aim for just after midnight local time, regardless of your location. The Leonid meteor shower generally has a gradual peak, so it’s worth observing on days surrounding the 17th if the skies are clear.
Meteor showers derive their names from the constellations from which the meteors appear to originate, but you don’t need to locate the Leonid constellation to enjoy them. However, Leo is easy to spot and visible from most areas of the world, excluding extreme southern latitudes. To find it, look for its signature backward question mark or sickle shape, positioned near the Big Dipper. If you need assistance in locating it, consider using a mobile app.
For an optimal meteor shower experience, make yourself warm and comfortable. Since you might be sitting still for extended periods, a hot water bottle or a straight-backed chair can help prevent neck pain. Stay away from light pollution as much as possible. If you’re watching from home, turn off the lights and allow your eyes to adjust. Enjoy!
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Abigail Beer is a feature editor at New Scientist and author of The Art of Urban Astronomy. Follow @abbybeall
Source: www.newscientist.com
