The Leonid Meteor Storm of 2001

Every November, like clock work, The Leonid Meteor shower arrives. This year will be no exception. However, things will be a little bit different this year. The Leonids typically peak at around 15-20 meteors per hour; this is referred to as a meteor shower. However, astronomers are expecting a much more spectacular event this year. Depending on where you live peak estimates range from 800-4000 meteors per hour. This level of activity is referred to as a meteor storm. A meteor storm is defined as an event where 1000 or more meteors an hour can be seen. Leonid meteor showers happen when Earth passes through clouds of dusty debris shed by comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle when it comes close to the Sun every 33 years. This year our planet is heading for close encounters with four such clouds. As if this wasn't good enough, the event will also take place just three days after the new moon. So, there will be no interference from the moon. Weather permitting, this could be the most spectacular meteor event in quite a while. 

Here are a few tips for viewing this weekends special event. Dress warmly. It is fall, and unless you live far to the south, it will get chilly. In many locations, it's even advisable to crawl inside a sleeping bag. Turn off all lights, or if necessary, travel to a dark location. Light pollution can seriously impact your viewing activities. Use a reclining chair or hammock. Since the event will take place overhead, you’ll want to relieve neck strain by lying on your back. Find a location with a good view to the southeast. The Leonids appear to emanate from the constellation Leo which will be in the southeast early Sunday morning. Keep a count. Set a timer to go off every 10 minutes or so. You can then use this to gauge the rate at which meteors are being observed.

The accompanying image shows a Perseid Fireball and was taken by S. Kohle & B. Koch

Once you’ve taken care of these basic details, watch the sky between midnight and sunrise Sunday morning (11/18). Early on, the counts will be considerably lower, but… you’ll be much more likely to see some Earthgrazing Leonids. Earthgrazers hit our atmosphere at a much lower angle. They are typically seen as long, beautiful streaks across the sky. Some of these are even visible as fireballs. The Leonids are expected to peak between 2:00am and 4:00am. It is during this period that you'll see the highest level of activity.

Remember this: The key is to get out there and watch -- if you stay indoors you won't see anything!

For more information on viewing the Leonids, or anything astronomical for that matter visit the Utah Skies website at www.UtahSkies.org.