The Leonid meteor shower is set to peak on the nights of November 17 and 18, 2024. This year, observers in India can expect the best visibility from late on November 17 until dawn on November 18.
The Radiant point of the Leonid meteor shower will rise at 00:21 AM IST on November 18 according to TimeandDate.com. Under ideal conditions, viewers can see approximately 15 meteors per hour, although moonlight from the waning gibbous moon may hinder visibility this year.
Find a location with minimal light pollution to observe the Leonid meteor shower. The meteors will be visible in the layer of the atmosphere where the radiant point is located, which is in the constellation Leo.
Parent Body of the Leonid meteor shower
The Leonid meteor shower originates from comet 55P/Temple-Tuttle, discovered in 1865 and 1866 by Ernst Tempel and Horace Tuttle. This small periodic comet, with a nucleus measuring about 3.6 kilometers across, orbits the sun every 33 years. The meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through the debris trail left by the comet.
How to Watch the Leonid meteor shower
To maximize your viewing experience:
- Mark the peak date on the calendar
- Use a meteor shower calendar to know the peak dates and times
- Choose a dark location away from city lights.
- Use a sky map or stargazing app to locate the radiant point.
- Allow about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Despite potential interference from moonlight, remain patient; some meteors may still be bright and colorful fireballs.
Historically, the Leonid meteor shower is famous for its spectacular storms, particularly in 1966, when thousands of meteors fell within minutes. Although this year’s expected rates are lower, it remains a significant celestial event worth observing.
