Leonid meteor shower peaks this weekend

[Jazzy]

Such meteor storms have indeed occurred with the famous November Leonids. For instance, in 1833 and 1966 meteor rates of tens of thousands per hour were observed. In more recent years, most notably 1999, 2001 and 2002, lesser Leonid displays of up to a few thousand meteors per hour took place.

The meteors are caused by the Comet Tempel-Tuttle, which sweeps through the inner solar system every 33.3 years. Each time the comet passes closest to the sun it leaves a "river of rubble" in its wake; a dense trail of dusty debris. A meteor storm becomes possible if the Earth were to score a direct hit on a fresh dust trail ejected by the comet over the past couple of centuries.

The 2013 Leonids are expected to show only low activity this year with 10 to maybe 20 meteors per hour at best. The "traditional" peak for the Leonids is scheduled for the predawn hours of Nov. 17 and the full moon will be not too far away, shining within the constellation Taurus, making observations very difficult.

Watching a meteor shower consists of lying back, looking up at the sky and waiting. In addition to this year's handicap of a bright moon lighting up the sky, keep in mind that any local light pollution or obstructions like tall trees or buildings will further reduce your chances of making a meteor sighting.

Leo does not come fully into view until the after midnight hours, so that would be the best time to concentrate on looking for Leonids.

Because the Leonids are moving along in their orbit around the sun in a direction opposite to that of Earth, they slam into the atmosphere nearly head-on, resulting in the fastest meteor velocities possible: 45 miles per second (72 km/s). Such speeds tend to produce bright meteors, which leave long-lasting streaks or vapor trains in their wake.

Source

I'm going to try to see this if I don't fall asleep first!

How about you, are you going to be looking for the meteor showers?

 

[Nebulous]

I'd like to say that I am going to watch this, but I feel like staying inside and being warm instead.

 

[Nebulous]

I'll try to get some views as usual...

Let us know what you saw!