WASHINGTON (AP) — Watching a supermoon can be quite a mesmerizing experience. However, its brilliant glow will still be nearly full when the Leonid meteor shower reaches its peak this weekend, potentially hiding all but the most brilliant meteors from view in many places.
What Are Meteor Showers?
Meteor showers happen multiple times a year, and you don’t need any special tools to see them. They usually originate from the debris left by passing comets, with the Leonids specifically coming from the comet Tempel-Tuttle.
As space rocks enter Earth’s atmosphere, they heat up due to resistance from the air. This friction causes the surrounding air to glow, leaving behind a fleeting trail known as a “shooting star.” Depending on their size—ranging from tiny dust particles to larger boulders—these glowing rocks can be visible as they streak across the sky.
Viewing Conditions for the Leonids
This year’s Leonid meteor shower, expected to yield around 15 meteors an hour under the best conditions, will peak on Sunday with the moon shining at 98% illumination. Shyam Balaji from King’s College London notes that the full moon’s brightness may hinder visibility this time. “For better chances of witnessing more meteors, try viewing in the early morning when the moon is lower in the sky,” he advises.
The meteor shower will continue to be active until December 2, so there are still opportunities to catch glimpses of these celestial wonders.
Best Practices for Viewing Meteor Showers
Meteor showers are typically most visible after midnight and before dawn. To enhance your sighting experience, find a dark area away from city lights. Clear skies are ideal, especially on nights when the moon is less bright. Remember to avoid checking your phone; allowing your eyes to adjust to the darkness will improve your chances of spotting meteors.
Upcoming Meteor Showers
The meteor community provides updated information about upcoming meteor showers, including peak nights and moonlight conditions. The next significant event is the Geminid meteor shower, which occurs in mid-December.
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