In mid-November, a remarkable astronomical event for stargazers will take place. The Leonid meteor shower – a major annual meteor shower – will peak in the early morning hours of November 17 and 18. If the weather is favorable, this year’s Leonids will be a spectacular event to observe this winter.
How to Observe the Leonid Meteor Shower
The Leonid meteor shower is the debris left in Earth’s orbit by the 55P Tempel-Tuttle comet. As this comet passes through Earth’s orbit, it leaves behind numerous fragments torn apart by our planet’s gravity. Each year, when Earth passes through this debris field, fragments the size of small stones shoot through the atmosphere and burn up, creating the bright streaks known as Leonids. The name Leonids comes from the fact that the area where most meteors are concentrated is in the constellation of Leo.
Time-lapse video of the Leonid meteor shower in 2012.
In the past, the Leonids have been an impressive meteor shower, with some instances reporting an unusually high number of meteors – thousands per hour – which observers referred to 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 is lower than in previous years. This year, during the peak of the Leonids, you can expect to see about 20 meteors per hour. Nevertheless, it is still considered a noteworthy meteor shower because its meteors are typically long and bright.
Illustration depicting the Leonid meteor storm of 1833.
How to Observe?
The advantage of this year’s Leonids is that you won’t be affected by moonlight since the Moon will have set early. The best time to observe will be in the early morning hours of the 17th and 18th, particularly 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. Additionally, you will be able to see Jupiter – the largest planet in the Solar System – shining brightly near Leo, and a bit later (after 3 AM), Mars and Venus will also be close by.
You don’t need any special equipment to observe the meteor shower as the naked eye is the best way to watch (of course, a personal telescope will help with observing planets, especially Jupiter). However, make sure to choose a location with a wide view, free from or with minimal light pollution, and don’t forget to ensure your personal safety and well-being (usually, your balcony or rooftop can be ideal spots). One other important consideration is the weather; if it’s cloudy or rainy, you won’t have the chance to witness this phenomenon.
If the weather is favorable and you have a good vantage point, be sure to bring warm clothing, a comfortable chair, and get ready for an exciting night of stargazing!
