This year's Leonid meteor shower will be active from Nov. 3, 2024 through
Dec. 2, 2024, peaking on the night of Nov. 16-17. This spectacular swarm occurs when Earth moves through the dust and debris trail of comet 55P/Temple-Tuttle. Every 33 years, this comet reaches the solar system and leaves behind a debris trail that, when Earth moves through it, leads to the Leonid meteor shower. The Leonids are among the fastest meteors, moving at an impressive speed of 71 kilometers per second. They often produce beautiful fireballs, with long, bright and colorful streaks of light in the night sky.

How and where to view the Leonids

During the peak of the Leonids, the moon, which is almost fully illuminated, can somewhat obstruct the view of fainter meteors. For the best views, it is recommended that you go to a dark place away from artificial light. Find a location where you have a wide view of the sky. Meteors will appear to come from the constellation Leo, but you can see them anywhere in the sky. Avoid aiming your gaze directly at the constellation Leo, as meteors that can be seen farther from this point often leave longer and brighter trails.

What makes the Leonids so special?

Every few decades, the Leonids meteor swarm can erupt into a spectacular meteor storm, where hundreds to thousands of meteors can be seen per hour. The last meteor storm occurred in 2002, and the previous one in 1966, with thousands of meteors visible within just 15 minutes. However, the most impressive Leonid storm was recorded in 1833, when an estimated 100,000 meteors per hour lit up the sky.

How do the Leonids occur?

The Leonids are caused by the debris from comet 55P/Temple-Tuttle, which orbits the sun every 33 years. As the Earth moves through this debris, the particles burn up in the atmosphere, creating the “shooting stars” we see in the sky. Comet Temple-Tuttle was discovered in the 19th century by Ernst Temple and Horace Tuttle and has a nucleus only 3.6 kilometers in diameter.

Practical tips for viewing the Leonids

To best view the Leonids, it is best to go outside between midnight and sunrise, when the sky is darkest. Make sure you go to a location with as little light pollution as possible. For good preparation, bring warm clothes, a red flashlight (so as not to disturb your night vision), a comfortable chair or recliner, and perhaps a hot drink to keep you comfortable while watching. It usually takes about 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark, so give yourself time to get the most out of the experience.

The next big chance for such a storm could be around 2035, when comet Temple-Tuttle comes near the sun again. There's just no telling when we can expect another meteor storm. One thing 2024 certainly taught us is that space can be unpredictable, just look at the arrival of comet Atlas, which is visible once every 80,000 years. Although, the Leoniden rain will be visible sooner than we think....

Meteor showers are usually best seen between midnight and sunrise. Most meteors can be seen then because the part of the earth where you are located is “moving” toward the meteor shower. Look for the peak time in advance, because that's when you can usually see more meteors per hour.

Avoid light pollution as much as possible. City lights make it difficult to see the fainter meteors, so find a location outside the city, such as an open field or natural area. The less artificial light, the better.

Your eyes need at least 20-30 minutes to fully adjust to the dark. Avoid bright light, including your phone's screen, so as not to interfere with your night vision. A red flashlight is helpful because red light has less impact on your ability to adjust in the dark.

Although you have no telescope or binoculars needed to see a meteor shower (meteors are visible to the naked eye), a few practical items are handy:

• A comfortable chair or recliner so you can look up at the top in a relaxed way.
• Warm clothes and possibly a blanket to keep warm, especially during cold nights.
• A thermos with hot beverage to keep you comfortable.

Although meteors appear to come from a particular point in the sky (the radiant), you can often see them better by looking just a little farther away. Meteors that appear farther from the radiant often leave behind longer, brighter streaks.

It can sometimes take a while to see a meteor, so be patient and enjoy the quiet and the view. Take your time to enjoy the experience, and remember that meteor showers offer a unique spectacle every year!

Conclusion

The Leoniden meteor shower is an annual celestial show worth watching. Whether you are an avid stargazer or just curious about shooting stars, the Leonids promise an impressive spectacle every year. Be prepared and enjoy this extraordinary natural phenomenon. Don't forget to make a wish if you see a bright meteor - who knows, it might come true!

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