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The Leonid Meteor Shower, one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the year, is currently active, giving planetarium-goers a chance to wish upon shooting stars. According to NASA, the shower lasts from November 3 to December 2, with peak activity expected in the early morning hours of November 16–17.
About Leonids
NASA describes the Leonids as a major meteor shower, even though normal rates are about three meteor showers per hour. Known for their brightness, speed, and color, the Leonids travel at speeds of up to 44 miles per second (71 km/s), making them some of the fastest meteors observed from Earth.
Every 33 years, the shower can produce a spectacular Leonid storm, with hundreds or thousands of meteors per hour visible depending on the observer’s location. Notable storms occurred in 1966 and 2002, in which meteors appeared to fall like rain during brief, intense periods.
The Leonids are also famous for fireballs and Earth-grazing meteors. Fireballs brighter than magnitude-3 originate from large comet debris, while Earth-grazers line the horizon with long, colorful tails.
Viewing Tips from NASA
For optimal viewing, NASA recommends starting around midnight local time. Key suggestions include:
– Find a dark place away from city lights.
– Dress warmly and bring a blanket or lawn chair for comfort.
-Lie down with your feet facing east and look towards the sky.
-Give 20-30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
Meteor showers can be seen not only in Leo but all over the sky. Looking slightly away from the radiant can cause meteors to appear taller and more brilliant due to a perspective effect, known as foreshortening.
Where do meteorites come from?
NASA explains that meteorites are caused by dust and debris left behind by comets and broken asteroids. As Earth passes through these debris paths, particles hit the atmosphere, burn up and create fiery streaks visible from the ground.
For the Leonids, the debris originates from comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, which takes 33 years to complete one orbit around the Sun. The comet’s nucleus is only 2.24 miles (3.6 km) wide.
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