How to View the Leonid Meteor Showers

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:ViewLeonidMeteorShowers
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How to View the Leonid Meteor Showers

Introduction

The last Leonid meteor shower peak came in 1998, but observers report that appreciable activity may continue through 2002. The International Meteor Organization says, "All observing methods should be utilized, especially photography and video if a storm manifests."

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Dress warmly. You'll be outdoors in the cool night air of November.
2

Step Two

Set your alarm and be ready at 0800 Universal Time on November 17th for the predicted peak.
3

Step Three

Get as far away from artificial light as possible.
4

Step Four

Use a patio chaise lounge to recline comfortably as you look into the night sky.
5

Step Five

Find the constellation Leo. The Leonid shower will appear to originate from that point.
6

Step Six

Look for the constellation Leo to the northeast and then about halfway up from the horizon toward the vertical if you're in the northern hemisphere.
7

Step Seven

Watch to the southeast as Leonid meteors streak away from the radiant point.
8

Step Eight

Use a telescope or binoculars to locate the constellation, but forget them when watching for meteors. They have a narrow field of view.

Tips & Warnings

  • Meteors flame through the Earth's atmosphere when our planet passes through the tail of a comet. Miniscule particles, some like grains of sand, plunge into our atmosphere at fantastic speeds and vaporize, creating streaks of light as they burn.
  • A minor shower called delta-Leonids occurs in February.
  • A flashlight with a red-tinted lens cover allows you to see your way in the dark without diminishing your night vision.
  • Light from a waning moon is expected to interfere with visibility.
  • The Leonid shower occurs when the Earth passes through the wake of the Tempel-Tuttle comet, with a meteor "storm" only occurring approximately every 33 years as the comet rounds the sun and sheds more debris.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Cameras
  • Binoculars
  • Telescope Camera Adapters
  • Film
  • Sky Charts
  • Warm Clothes
  • Patio Chairs
  • Sleeping Bags
  • Flashlights With Red-tinted Lens
  • Alarm Clocks
  • Camera Accessories
  • Digital Cameras
  • Telescopes
  • Compasses
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