The month of November will bring one of the most anticipated astronomical spectacles of the year: the Leonid meteor showeror also known as a meteor shower, famous for its fast, bright flashes that cross the sky at high speed. This phenomenon, associated with comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttleusually offers a striking visual display, especially when dark conditions are favorable.
According to Planetary Societythe Leonids will reach their peak between the night of November 16 and the dawn of November 17a period in which activity will be greater and the sky will be especially dark due to low lunar illumination.
Day, time and best places to see the Leonids in the US.
According to the American Meteor Societythe best time to observe the rain will be after midnight and until dawnwhen the Leo constellation It is located higher in the sky. Throughout USA will be visible whenever the weather permitsalthough the rural areas y away from light pollution They will offer the best experience.
The specialized portal EarthSky points out that the lunar phase, with just a 9% brightness for those dates, it will make the meteors are easier to detect even with the naked eye. Those looking for optimal conditions can go to areas such as national parkssouthwestern deserts, Pacific coasts o Appalachian mountain regionswhere the horizon is wide and clear.
Why the Leonids occur and what to expect this year
The meteor shower occurs when the Tierra passes through the comet’s particle trail 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. These fragments, the size of a grain of sand, disintegrate upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere, generating the luminous flashes visible in the night sky. According to Planetary Societythe meteors appear to come from the same point in the Leo constellationwhich gives its name to this phenomenon.
Although some years the Leonidas have produced real “storms” with hundreds of meteors per hour, moderate but stable activity is expected by 2025. The low moonlight combination and clear skies can allow you to observe several dozen meteors during peak hours, especially from regions with dark skies.
Recommendations for observing the Leonid meteor shower
Experts suggest following some guidelines to get the most out of the event:
- Search for dark skies and get away from the urban lights.
- Adapt your eyesight to the dark for 15 to 20 minutes before observing.
- Look at a wide area of the skynot directly to the radiating point.
- Do not use telescopes or binocularssince they reduce the field of vision.
- Check the weather forecast to avoid cloudy skies.
- Bring warm clothing, blankets or reclining chairs for greater comfort.
According to Time and Dateno special equipment is necessary: patience, a clear sky and a quiet place are enough to enjoy this phenomenon that every year connects millions of observers with the immensity of the cosmos.
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