Guide to observing the meteor shower of Leonids on November 17

In mid-November, a remarkable astronomical phenomenon for observing lovers will take place. The meteor shower of Leonids - a massive meteor shower with a yearly period - will peak at dawn 17 and 18 November. If the weather is good, Leonids this year will be a very interesting phenomenon to observe this winter.

How to observe meteor shower Leonids

The Leonids meteor shower is a remnant left on comet Earth of 55P Tempel-Tuttle . When this comet passes through Earth's orbit, it leaves many debris torn by gravity from our planet. Every year when the Earth passes through the area of ​​these remnants, pieces of stone with the size of those stones rush through the atmosphere and burn into the stars of Leonids. The name Leonids comes from the central metropolis of most meteorites of this phenomenon is the first part of the constellation Leo (Lion).

Video time-lapse about meteor shower Leonids in 2012.

In the past, Leonids was a massive meteor shower and once had abnormally high numbers of meteors - thousands of meteors every hour, known as "meteor storms" or even considered the roar of the lion. However, this year there will be no "storms" , lions will not "roar" and the number of stars will also decrease compared to before. This year at the peak of Leonids will only be able to show you about 20 meteors every hour. However, it is considered that a meteor shower is noticeable because its meteorites are often long and bright.

Figure depicting Leonids in 1833.

How to observe?

The advantage of Leonids this year is that you will not be affected by the moonlight because the Moon has set early.The most ideal time for you to observe will be this morning of the 17th and 18th of this month, especially after two o'clock in the morning because the constellation Leo is already quite high in the sky.

Look for this constellation in the eastern sky, you can recognize it by bright stars and quite characteristic shapes like the image below. What's interesting is that you will be able to observe Jupiter - the solar system's largest planet - very bright right near Leo, and a little later (after 3 am), Mars and Venus will also be very near.

You don't need any device to watch meteor shower because the eye is often the best way to observe (of course, a personal telescope will help to see the planets, especially Jupiter). . However, keep in mind that you need to choose a location with a wide angle of view , no or very little light from the bulbs and of course don't forget to ensure your health and security (often a good balcony Your rooftops can be quite ideal places. Another point to note is that the weather, if it is cloudy or rainy, you will not have a chance to observe this phenomenon.

If the weather is good and there's a good view, bring a warm coat, a bench and get ready for an interesting observation night!