Leonids are the fastest moving and brightest meteors and – if the sky is clear – those looking at the sky can see up to 15 shooting stars per hour.
Here’s what you need to know about it
What are Leonids?
The Leonids comet 55p / comes from the left side of the Temple-Tuttle.
This fireball appears to have spread out from the constellation Leo.
The display is better when the comet – which takes up to 33 years in the orbit of the Sun – is closer to the Earth.
The last time this happened was in 2009, when about 500 shooting stars were recorded every hour.
Subsequent events are predicted to occur over a period of about 13 years.
What time is the meteor shower tonight?
Most meteor showers look best after midnight and before dawn when the sky is in their darkest.
What does NASA say?
NASA advised: “Leonids are seen starting at about midnight local time. Find an area away from the city or street lights.
“Come with a sleeping bag, blanket or linen chair for winter temperatures.
“Move yourself to the east with your feet, sit on your back and take as much of the sky as possible.
“In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adjust and you will see meteors.
“Be patient – the show will run until Parown, so you’ll have plenty of time to get a glimpse.”
How to see Leonids
This particular celestial phenomenon is called Leonid because the shooting star “radiates” from the constellation Leo.
You may want to look to Leo for the best chance of finding meteors, although they can appear at any time in the night sky.
Meteor spotters with as little light pollution as possible should be viewed from a vantage point; Those in rural areas will undoubtedly have a clear vision.
Weather also plays an important role, and cloudy nights reduce the chances of seeing any meteorites, so keep your eye on the local weather forecast.
When is the next meteor shower?
If you miss the Leonid Meteor Shower tonight, there are two more showers scheduled before the end of the year.
Geminids will reach the top by December 13-14, while Ursid will reach the top by December 21-22.
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