The Leonid meteor shower is at its peak tonight



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Leonids are very fast and bright meteors, and if the sky is clear, the viewer can see 15 shooting stars per hour.

Here’s everything you need to know about this

What are the Leonids?

The Leonids come from the remaining particles of Comet 55b / Temple-Dutt.

These fireballs come out of the Leo galaxy.

The views are best when the comet – 33 years after the sun’s orbit – is closest to Earth.

The last time this happened was in 2009, when 500 shooting stars were recorded every hour.

The next such event is expected to take place in about 13 years.

What time is the meteor shower tonight?

Most meteor showers are best seen after midnight and when the sky is dark at dawn.

What is NASA saying?

NASA advised: “Leonids are best seen starting at midnight local time. Find an area from the city or street lights.

“Come ready with a sleeping bag, blanket or garden chair for winter temperatures.

“Look with your feet facing east, lie on your back, look up and see the sky as much as possible.

“Within 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes hug and you start seeing the meteor.

“Be patient: the show lasts until dawn, so you have plenty of time to take a look.”

How to see the Leonids

This particular celestial phenomenon is called Leonids because shooting stars seem to “radiate” from the constellation Leo.

You will have to look in Leo for the best chances of finding meteorites, however they can appear at any time in the night sky.

Meteor watchers should be seen with as little light pollution as possible; Those in the countryside will certainly have a clearer view.

Weather plays a big part and cloudy nights can block the chances of finding any meteor, so keep an eye on local weather forecasts.

When is the next meteor shower?

If you miss the Leonid meteor shower tonight, two more rains are expected by the end of the year.

The Geminits will peak from December 13-14, while Ursides will peak from December 21-22.



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