Leonid meteor shower expected to delight stargazers around the country
Stargazers across the country are set for an out-of-this-world display with the Leonid meteor shower expected to light up the night sky over the next week.
The annual event occurs from about November 14 to 20 as the Earth passes through an old debris stream left by past passages of the comet Temple-Tuttle, the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre said.
The comet takes 33 years to do one orbit of the sun, during which it leaves a trail of asteroid dust in its wake.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The shower is expected to peak about November 17, when stargazers can expect to see 10 or more meteors an hour.
“The Leonid meteors appear to come from a radiant that lies within the ‘sickle’ of the constellation of Leo, hence the name,” the weather agency said.
“An unusual feature of this stream is that it is often associated with some fairly bright meteors that may leave a trail.”
What you’ll be able to see
The weather agency said these trails, or trains, may be visible for many seconds, and sometimes even minutes, after the meteor passes.
“The meteors travel very fast and the brighter meteors may show a golden colour,” it said.
“In fact, these meteors are the fastest of any meteor stream so far observed.”
Those hoping to catch the astronomical display are warned, however, the shower will coincide with a full moon next week, which will dim the display.
For the best chance of seeing the display, head to an area away from light pollution and find a spot with a clear view of the sky.
The meteor shower is expected to start around midnight and into the early hours of the morning.
Originally published on 7NEWS
