This weekend the Leonids will light up the skies above the United Kingdom in one of the most impressive meteor showers of the year. Taking place every mid-November, the Leonids are characterised by their massive, fast-travelling meteors. The best time to see this spectacle is during the early hours of Saturday and Sunday (between midnight and dawn), assuming the weather allows for good visibility.
Although the meteors will be visible with the naked eye, viewers should check the local weather before setting out. The Leonids are named as such because they appear to come from the constellation Leo. It has been shown that this phenomena is associated with Comet Tempel-Tuttle. This comet leaves behind a trail of tiny debris, some of which can be as small as grains of sand. When this debris enters the earth’s atmosphere it is vaporised due to the intense heat and friction, this creates the stunning streaks of light we call meteors.
Experts say that during the Leonids, these meteors can be significantly more vibrant due to their high velocity and can feature colours such as blue or green. Scientists also note that some of these meteors can outshine stars or planets. The Moon is predicted to set earlier in the evening of Friday, which should mean that the sky will be darker and the visibility of the meteors will be improved.
Although the weekend’s show is anticipated to be the peak viewing period, those that aren’t able to spot the Leonids this weekend should fear not. Due to the nature of the Leonids, they can still be viewed for up until 30 November. Viewers are advised to find a dark and obstructed spot away from city lights and to bring a comfortable chair as watching meteor showers is a waiting game
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