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This year has already brought numerous cosmic sightings, and the astral spectacles are far from over. November brings the Leonid meteor shower, expected to reach its peak in the middle of the month, illuminating the night sky with an array of vibrant, fiery space debris.
The Leonids peak overnight November 16-17, offering up to 15 meteors per hour under dark, moonless skies.
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This month, astronomers, astrology enthusiasts, and space aficionados will direct their attention to the night sky to observe a meteor shower featuring some of the swiftest meteors, traveling at an impressive speed of 44 miles per second. The slowest meteors move at approximately seven miles per second.
The meteor shower on November 16/17 will emit light from the Northern Hemisphere constellation of Leo, which is why it has the astrologically familiar name. The NASA webpage focused on the Leonids explains that meteors are essentially remnants and fragments from the comets and asteroids traveling through our solar system. In addition to their impressive speed, the uniqueness of the Leonid showers lies in two aspects: their potential for vibrant colors, thanks to fireballs, and the presence of Earth-grazer meteors.
The wonder of this year’s Leonids, while still breathtaking, will not match the extraordinary display of 1966, when observers witnessed what NASA describes as “a spectacular Leonid storm.” In a mere 15 minutes, thousands of meteors streaked through the Earth’s atmosphere, descending at a rate that made them seem to fall like rain. Storms of that nature are infrequent, occurring approximately every 33 years; the previous Leonid storm took place in 2002, although the showers themselves are more prevalent.
This year’s Leonids offer one of their best viewing windows in recent years, thanks to a nearly moonless night. A Waning Crescent Moon—just 9% illuminated—will rise late in the predawn hours, leaving the prime viewing hours free of moonlight. There’s even a chance of Northern Lights in Canada and in U.S. states close to the border.
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Continue reading for additional advice on how to experience nature’s most breathtaking light display over the next couple of days.
What Exactly Is the Leonid Meteor Shower?
Annually, Earth traverses the debris trails of comets that orbit the Sun, consisting of dust and particles. As those particles enter our atmosphere, they break apart, resulting in vibrant and fiery trails across the sky.
The Leonid meteor shower occurs when Earth travels through the debris left by a particular comet—55P/Tempel-Tuttle—as it follows its highly elliptical orbit around the Sun every 33 years. As Earth moves through the debris left by a comet, the ‘comet crumbs’ ignite upon entering the atmosphere, creating stunning ‘shooting stars’ that blaze across the night sky. The 55P/Tempel-Tuttle comet is categorized as small, with a diameter of just over two miles. The letter “P” signifies that it is periodic, indicating that its orbital period is under 200 years.
The Leonid meteor shower in November is expected to showcase fireballs and Earth-grazer meteors, contributing to the Leonids’ distinctive colorful display. Fireballs are more substantial bursts of light and color that can last longer than a typical meteor streak. Fireballs originate from larger particles of cometary material. Meteors that skim near the horizon, known as earth-grazers, are distinguished by their lengthy and vibrant tails.
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How to Watch the Leonid Meteor Shower?
Scientists predict that the Leonids will reach their peak late on the night of November 16 through early morning November 17, approximately at 2 a.m. ET. NASA suggests observing the Leonids beginning around midnight local time in a location that is far removed from city or street lights. As temperatures will be cold in the Northern Hemisphere, ensure you are ready for Winter conditions with items such as a sleeping bag, blanket, gloves, and more. Position yourself with your feet directed eastward, recline flat on your back, and gaze upward, absorbing as much of the sky as you can. Within just 30 minutes in the darkness, your eyes will adjust, allowing you to start seeing meteors. Exercise patience—the performance will continue until dawn, providing ample opportunity to witness it.
Meteor showers derive their names from the constellation from which they seem to originate, referred to as the radiant. The Leonids seem to originate from the constellation Leo when viewed from our position on Earth. To locate Leo, begin by identifying the bright star Regulus and then follow the unique backward question mark shape referred to as ‘the sickle,’ which symbolizes the lion’s mane.
It is advisable not to look directly at Leo when searching for meteors, as the shooting stars will be visible across the entire sky. Be sure to explore your surroundings and shift your focus to adjacent constellations, as meteors that are farther from the radiant often exhibit longer trains (glowing trails of debris) and are simpler to observe.
The Leonids are most spectacular when observed from the darkest spot available, and there’s no need for telescopes or binoculars. What’s the key to an enjoyable meteor viewing experience? Absorb as much of the sky as you can, and be sure to give your eyes approximately 30 minutes to adapt to the darkness. Now, sit back and relish the performance.
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The Next Meteor Shower?
A meteor storm as spectacular as the one reported in 1966 is unlikely to occur again until the 2030s. However, you can be confident that there will be an abundance of cosmic events leading up to that time, beginning with the Geminids and the Ursids in December.
After the Leonids, the next major meteor shower will be the Geminids—the most prolific meteor shower of the year. During this event, which peaks Dec. 13-14, around 140 “shooting stars” per hour may be visible.
Happy Stargazing!!!
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