In mid-November, an exciting astronomical event will take place for stargazers. The Leonids meteor shower – a prominent annual meteor shower – will peak in the early morning of November 17 and 18. If the weather is favorable, this year’s Leonids will be a spectacular sight to watch this winter.
How to Observe the Leonids Meteor Shower
The Leonids meteor shower is the debris left in Earth’s orbit by comet 55P Tempel-Tuttle. As this comet passes through Earth’s orbit, it leaves behind many fragments that are pulled apart by our planet’s gravity. Each year, when Earth travels through this debris field, these fragments, roughly the size of pebbles, streak through the atmosphere and burn up, creating the Leonids meteors. The name Leonids comes from the fact that the central region, where most meteors of this phenomenon occur, is located in the constellation of Leo.
Time-lapse video of the Leonids meteor shower in 2012.
In the past, the Leonids were known for their spectacular displays, with instances of unusually high meteor counts – thousands of meteors per hour, often referred to by observers as a “meteor storm”, likened to the roar of a lion. However, this year there will be no “storm”, the lion will not “roar”, and the number of meteors will be less than in previous years. At its peak, the Leonids will only provide about 20 meteors per hour. Nonetheless, it is still considered a noteworthy meteor shower because its meteors are typically bright and long-lasting.
Illustration of the Leonids meteor storm in 1833.
How to Observe?
The good news for this year’s Leonids is that you will not be affected by moonlight, as the Moon will set early. The best time to observe will be in the early hours of November 17 and 18, especially after 2 AM, when the constellation Leo will be quite high in the sky.
Look for this constellation in the eastern sky; you can recognize it by its bright stars and distinctive shape, as shown in the image below. Another interesting aspect is that you will be able to see Jupiter – the largest planet in our Solar System – shining brightly near Leo, and later (after 3 AM), Mars and Venus will also be close by.
You do not need any special equipment to observe the meteor shower as the best way to see it is with the naked eye (of course, a personal telescope can help with viewing the planets, especially Jupiter). However, please remember that you should choose a location with a wide view, with little to no light pollution, and of course, do not forget to ensure your health and safety (often, your balcony or roof can be ideal spots). Another important factor to consider is the weather; if it is cloudy or rainy, you will miss out on this phenomenon.
If the weather is favorable and you have a good viewing angle, be sure to bring warm clothing, a comfortable chair, and get ready for an exciting night of observation!
