
Get ready, Long Island stargazers. As the sky slowly darkens, the Leonid Meteor Shower will light the night Nov. 17 and into the early morning Nov. 18. Let Pulse be your guide for the ultimate viewing party or (shameless) Instagram picture.
What is the Leonid Meteor Shower?
Not sure where the name Leonid came from? Horoscope enthusiasts (and those born between July 23-Aug. 22) will like this one: the meteors that radiate in the sky lie in the constellation of Leo. The shower occurs when the Earth passes through the debris left by the comet Tempel-Tuttle. And get this, the comet takes around 33 years to make one orbit around the sun. At the peak of the shower, people can view about 20 meteors an hour.
Where can I watch the Leonid Meteor Shower?
For those who live in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, don’t worry about missing the shower. It can be spotted from any direction. However, astronomers suggest lying down on the ground and looking at the sky between the East and the point right above your head.
When can I watch the Leonid Meteor Shower?
Prime time to watch the Leonids is after dark between midnight and dawn, but astronomers warn that the bright waning gibbous moon may make it more troublesome to see many meteors.
How can I watch the Leonid Meteor Shower?
Make sure to double-check the clouds are taking a vacation because all you need to bring is your excitement. But remember to find a place as far as possible from artificial lights (like a park) and something (or someone) cozy to cuddle up with.