Posted on 11/17/2007 10:40:46 PM PST by Robert A Cook PE
Friday, November 16, 2007
According to predictions, the famous Leonid meteor shower will peak this weekend.
The best viewing is predicted to be during the wee hours before dawn on Sunday, when you might see as many as 10 to 15 meteors per hour. But meteor showers are notorious for defying predictions, so don’t discount Saturday and Monday mornings. And don’t be too surprised if the Leonids surpass or fall shy of the predictions.
Even though the first quarter moon will light the evening sky, moonlight shouldn’t bother this year’s Leonid meteor display. As a general rule, the fast-flying Leonid meteors don’t pick up steam until after midnight, and by then the moon will have set. Frequently, the greatest numbers of meteors in any annual shower rain down shortly before dawn.
The Leonid meteors are named for the constellation Leo the Lion. If you trace the paths of these meteors backward, they appear to radiate from Leo. But you don’t have to know Leo to enjoy the Leonids. It’s like in a baseball game when fly balls go every which way through the air, but all come from the vicinity of home plate.
In the case of the Leonids, these meteors streak outward to all parts of the sky from Leo the Lion’s golden mane. And remember, after midnight, you’ll see more.
So, that’s this weekend – the Leonid meteor shower.
I'm up now, way out in the countryside, clear sky - no clouds - no humidity ...
And ten billion lights around the nuclear power plant for security and safety access.
Can't make out a blasted thing!
usually roars about 2~4 Pm
My wife and I saw the Leonids on the 2002 peak. It was like the sky was falling. It’s a shame that it only happens every 33 years.
Why can’t they schedule them for a time of year when Seattle has clear skies?
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