Key Takeaways
1. The Leonids meteor shower has a long history, first observed in 902 and peaking in the 1800s with up to 200,000 meteors per hour.
2. The meteors originate from comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, which has a 33-year orbit around the sun, affecting the shower’s intensity.
3. Recent activity showed a decline in meteor counts, with only about 100 meteors per hour in 2008 and 2009, and this year expected to see no more than 15 per hour.
4. Despite the lower count, Leonid meteors can be very bright and often leave long green trails in the sky.
5. The best viewing times are around November 9, 17, and 18, and it’s important to find a dark location and avoid smartphone use to enhance visibility.
Every year, the night sky brings a lot of surprises. Right now, there’s a meteor shower happening at night, and it promises to be quite a show.
History of the Leonids
The Leonids were first seen in 902 and made a big impact in the 1800s, displaying between 50,000 to 200,000 meteors each hour. These meteors come from the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, which orbits the sun every 33 years. Because of this, the intensity of the meteor shower can change greatly.
Recent Activity
In 2008 and 2009, the count dropped to only about 100 meteors per hour. This year, though, we can’t expect to see more than 15 meteors hourly.
Despite this low number, which might seem less exciting when compared to the Perseids, it’s worth noting that these meteors can be very bright. They are known to leave long green trails in the sky that can linger for several minutes.
Tips for Watching
When these meteors come from the Leo constellation, we can look forward to several active peaks. Notably, November 9, along with November 17 and 18, might be the best times to observe them.
Yet, if you plan to watch, there are a few tips to remember. It’s crucial to find a spot away from bright lights, and you should avoid using your smartphone, as its light could hinder your ability to see the meteors.
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