In 1966, thousands of meteors flooded from the sky and illuminated the sky for a short period of 15 minutes – eyewitnesses said the shooting looked almost like rain, given how many stars there were. This was not an ordinary meteor shower, but a fully developed meteor storm, an event that has been part of the Leonid Meteor shower for centuries.
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See how shooting stars illuminate the night sky in the middle of the month.
While this year’s fountain is expected to produce very few meteors – while flashing storms only occur every few years or more – you can still look up at the sky to witness shooting stars in the middle of the month. Here’s what you need to know.
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What is a Leonid Meteor Shower?
The Leonid Meteor Shower is an astronomical event in mid-November when the Earth passes through a dusty trail from the comet Temple-Tuttle, named for its cheerful point, or the point from which meteors appear to emerge in the sky. , Which comes in the constellation Leo.
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In a normal year, including 2020, the fountain produces about 15 meteors per hour, which is considered a pretty moderate performance. But the Leonids are most famous for their extraordinary meteor storms, which occur about 33 years later (how long it takes a comet to orbit the Sun). During those events, thousands of meteors scatter in the sky like rain, but only for a short period of 15 minutes. The last meteor storm was in 2002, so we have some time before the next big show.
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When is the Leonid Meteor Shower?
Leonids occur annually, from about 6 November to 30 November. Up to 30. This year, the peak (when you can expect to see a lot of meteors) will take place in late November 16th and early November 17th. The great news is that the moon will only be a small crescent, meaning there will be very little light pollution in the sky, which will increase the viewing conditions.
How can I see the Leonid meteor shower?
Like all meteor showers, all you have to do is watch. That said, you want to get as far away from light pollution as possible, so head to remote desert areas if you can. When you arrive, set your eyes in the dark for about 20 minutes or so, then get ready to go to the show. You will only be able to see the shooting stars in the sky, not just in the direction of the constellation Leo (the obscure point of Leonids), so keep your eyes peeled.
When is the next meteor shower?
Can’t catch Leonids? Now you don’t have to wait any longer for the next show. The Gemini Meteor Shower will wake up on the night of December 13th and the morning of December 14th. Plus, it’s the most famous meteor shower of the year, so you don’t want to pay for it.
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