Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2012 21:44:56 GMT -6
earthsky.org/tonight/moonless-nights-for-november-leonid-meteors-in-2012
EARTHSKY
Moonless Nights for November 2012 Leonid Meteor Shower
The young crescent moon will set soon after sunset, leaving dark skies for this year’s November 2012 Leonid meteor shower. Remember, this meteor shower is for night owls and early birds. As a rule of thumb, the Leonids intensify after midnight, and the greatest numbers fall just before dawn.
All this weekend should be good for watching this annual shower. The best viewing window should be between midnight and dawn Saturday, November 17. Even so, meteor showers are notorious for defying expectations, and any prediction should be regarded as a best guess – not an ironclad guarantee. If it’s clear, you might see nearly as many meteors in the predawn darkness on Friday, November 16 or Sunday, November 17. Typically, you see 10 to 15 meteors per hour in the darkness before dawn.
The waxing crescent moon and Mars set shortly after nightfall
The moon won’t be obstructing this year’s Leonid display. In fact, it’ll be quite a challenge, finding the young moon with the planet Mars at nightfall these next few evenings. As seen from mid-northern latitudes, the thin waxing crescent moon and the red planet Mars sit low in the southwest sky about an hour after sunset and follow the sun beneath the horizon shortly after dark.
Read more and see star chart :
earthsky.org/tonight/moonless-nights-for-november-leonid-meteors-in-2012
Cliff
EARTHSKY
Moonless Nights for November 2012 Leonid Meteor Shower
The young crescent moon will set soon after sunset, leaving dark skies for this year’s November 2012 Leonid meteor shower. Remember, this meteor shower is for night owls and early birds. As a rule of thumb, the Leonids intensify after midnight, and the greatest numbers fall just before dawn.
All this weekend should be good for watching this annual shower. The best viewing window should be between midnight and dawn Saturday, November 17. Even so, meteor showers are notorious for defying expectations, and any prediction should be regarded as a best guess – not an ironclad guarantee. If it’s clear, you might see nearly as many meteors in the predawn darkness on Friday, November 16 or Sunday, November 17. Typically, you see 10 to 15 meteors per hour in the darkness before dawn.
The waxing crescent moon and Mars set shortly after nightfall
The moon won’t be obstructing this year’s Leonid display. In fact, it’ll be quite a challenge, finding the young moon with the planet Mars at nightfall these next few evenings. As seen from mid-northern latitudes, the thin waxing crescent moon and the red planet Mars sit low in the southwest sky about an hour after sunset and follow the sun beneath the horizon shortly after dark.
Read more and see star chart :
earthsky.org/tonight/moonless-nights-for-november-leonid-meteors-in-2012
Cliff
In 2002, this was the best meteor shower I had ever witnessed . In the space of 5 1/2 hrs. I counted 550 meteors streak by, but it was at it's peak year so I'm not expecting anything even close although these showers are unpredictable.
In the link above there is a star chart to guide observers to the constellation Leo. It will rise in the Eastern sky early in the morning and resemble a sideways question mark followed by a right triangle shape just behind it. The brightest star in that constellation is 'Regulus'. Enjoy everyone !
In the link above there is a star chart to guide observers to the constellation Leo. It will rise in the Eastern sky early in the morning and resemble a sideways question mark followed by a right triangle shape just behind it. The brightest star in that constellation is 'Regulus'. Enjoy everyone !