Sky enthusiasts worldwide are gearing up for the peak of the Leonid meteor shower this week. This celestial event is set to occur at 1 p.m. ET on Monday. Observers can start spotting meteors as early as 11 p.m. Sunday local time, when the constellation Leo ascends in the sky.
Best Viewing Times
For optimal viewing, the American Meteor Society recommends the hours between 4 a.m. Monday and sunrise local time. Robert Lunsford, the fireball report coordinator, emphasizes that the Leonids have a sharp peak, which means there’s a narrow window for the best viewing experience.
Understanding the Leonid Meteor Shower
- The parent comet of the Leonids is 55P/Tempel-Tuttle.
- This comet produces a brief meteor shower due to its small debris trail.
- Meteors anticipated at 11 p.m. Sunday will be Earth grazers, lasting longer and traversing a broad section of the sky.
Meteor Rates
Under clear skies, viewers can expect to see around 10 to 15 meteors per hour. However, the Leonids are known for their potential to generate meteor storms. The most significant storms often result in rates exceeding 1,000 meteors per hour.
Historical Meteor Storms
- The last major meteor storm occurred in 2002.
- A notable event in 1966 saw meteor rates estimated at 40 meteors per second.
During this storm, meteors appeared to cascade from the sky. Such intense activity coincides with periods when comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle nears the sun in its orbit, which occurs every 33 years.
Future Meteor Showers
The next significant shower linked to the comet is expected in 2033, although it is not predicted to be a storm. Lunsford suggests that rates may reach around 100 meteors per hour, comparable to the Geminid meteor shower, but not as prolific as previous storms.
For those interested in upcoming meteor showers, two important dates remain this year:
- Geminids: December 13-14
- Ursids: December 21-22
As the Leonid meteor shower approaches, prepare to witness a breathtaking display of celestial beauty in the night sky.
