The 2010 Leonid Meteor Shower

The Leonid radiant (perspective point from which all the meteors would appear to originate if their paths were traced backward) is within the so-called "Sickle" of Leo; a backwards question-mark pattern of stars that outlines the head and mane of the constellation Leo, the Lion (hence the meteors are known as "Leonids") image credit: StarDate.org

Luna looked great a while ago with a colorful corona topped off with Jupiter as a glittering diamond just a few degrees away from it 🙂 Unfortunately, my camera’s batteries went out when I was about to take an image.

This evening, don’t forget to go outside after midnight to look out for the Leonids that will zoom across the heavens just as soon as brave Leo where it would appear to radiate from, climbs up in the east. Best viewing of the Leonid meteor shower comes in two to three hours before dawn on November 17 and 18, when the  waxing gibbous moon that would interfere with your skygazing has already set.

Leonids in particular are well known for having bright meteors or fireballs which may be 9 mm across. The shower is created by bits of debris left behind by the repeat passages through the inner solar system of comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), there is always some uncertainty in the number of meteors the Leonid shower will produce, but viewers could expect to see at least 20 meteors per hour if they have clear skies.

For those enthusiast meteor observer, you can report your observation using the methods and report forms at the International Meteor Organization site.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines Astronomical Society (U.P. AstroSoc) will hold a public observation of this event at the PAGASA Astronomical Observatory Sundeck in U.P. Diliman on the 19th at 10 PM to 6AM. Everyone is invited. 🙂

poster courtesy of member Francis Bugaoan (UP AstroSoc Observation and Instrumentation Cluster)

 

 

Happy observing! 🙂

Luna looked great tonight with a colorful corona topped off with Jupiter as a glittering diamond just a few degrees away from it :)Also don’t forget to go outside after midnight to look out for the Leonids that will zoom across the heavens just as soon as brave Leo climbs up in the east.Clear skies to all! 

 

Luna looked great tonight with a colorful corona topped off with Jupiter as a glittering diamond just a few degrees away from it 🙂

Also don’t forget to go outside after midnight to look out for the Leonids that will zoom across the heavens just as soon as brave Leo climbs up in the east.

Clear skies to all!