Sat Mar 23, 2024 11:33 pm by globalturbo
One of the most famous of the annual meteor displays is due to reach its peak this weekend. The Leonid meteor shower. The Leonids occur when Earth passes through the debris left by the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. The comet takes around 33 years to make one orbit around the Sun. The best viewing time is after midnight, when the constellation Leo rises above the eastern horizon. The Leonids should be at their best early Sunday, Nov. 17, at 2:00 a.m. local time. Leonids can be viewed at any place on Earth, given the sky is clear. In 2019, the Leonids are expected to fall most abundantly before dawn November 17, though under the bright light of waning gibbous Moon. Skywatchers should be able to see about 15 to 20 shooting stars per hour. This shower has been known to produce meteor storms. The Leonids produced meteor storms of hundreds to thousands meteors per hour at the peak each year from 1998 to 2002. An amazing night in 1966, the meteors were falling like a rain. For best meteor viewing experts suggest going to a location away from city lights, dressing warmly, and lie flat on your back and look straight up. No special viewing equipment needed — just your eyes. Clear Skies Everyone!
https://youtu.be/NLlSvipZZtU
