November is shaping up to be a booming month for sky watchers.
The Leonid meteor shower will peak overnight Wednesday into Thursday. The shower, capable of producing as many as 15-25 meteors per hour, is known for its bright and colorful meteors. The Leonids are also fast, capable of traveling at speeds of 44 mph per second, some of the fastest meteors out there, NASA said.
Leonids are also known for long-lasting fireballs and earthgrazer meteors that streak close to the horizon and are known for their long and colorful tails. The meteors are created by debris from the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle which takes 33 years to orbit the sun once.
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Best viewing times, tips
The Leonids are best viewed starting at about midnight local time. To catch a glimpse, find an area well away from light pollution from city or streetlights. It’s November, so come prepared for winter temperatures.
Orient yourself with your feet towards the east, lie flat on your back, and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors. Be patient - the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.
While the constellation Leo gives its name to the Leonids, they are visible throughout the night sky. According to NASA, it is actually better to view the Leonids away from the radiant: They will appear longer and more spectacular from this perspective.
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November 18, 2021 at 01:18AM
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Leonids meteor shower peaks tonight: Where, how you can see shooting stars - al.com
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