On the night of Saturday to Sunday
Leonid peak: what is the view of the stars like?
November 16, 2024 – 8:30 a.mReading time: 2 min.
The peak of the Leonid current is expected on Sunday morning, but clouds and fog are blocking visibility in many places. Some are hoping for clearer skies.
Early on Sunday morning around 5:00 a.m., experts expect the peak of the so-called Leonid stream, during which shooting stars will burn up like every year in November. But the prospects for onlookers in Germany to observe the celestial spectacle are poor. Thick clouds or fog make it impossible to see the starry sky in large parts of the country, as the German Weather Service (DWD) told the German Press Agency on Friday.
There is a slight chance south of the Danube towards the foothills of the Alps and the Alps, said qualified meteorologist Nico Bauer. However, since fog is to be expected there, one has to move to higher altitudes. There are also slim chances on the mountains in the Swabian Alb and the Black Forest.
“I expect that around ten Leonids can be seen per hour on the morning of November 17th,” said Uwe Pilz, chairman of the Association of Star Friends based in Bensheim in southern Hesse. The maximum will be reached at around 5 a.m.
According to Pilz, shooting stars from the Leonid stream can still be seen in the days after the maximum. They can be discovered everywhere in the sky. In the morning, the constellation of Leo, from which they appear to arise, is high in the southeastern sky. Compared to other meteor showers, the Leonids have very few shooting stars. During the Perseids in August there were a maximum of up to 30 per hour.
The shooting stars are the trail of Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttel, which crosses Earth once a year. The comet was discovered in 1865 and takes around 33 years to orbit the sun. The Leonids are very fast meteors with penetration speeds of around 70 kilometers per second, or 252,000 kilometers per hour.
What are the best conditions for viewing the Leonid meteor shower?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Elena Mirsky, Astronomer and Meteorologist
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Mirsky! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the Leonid meteor shower.
Dr. Elena Mirsky: Good morning! I’m thrilled to be here.
Editor: The peak of the Leonid meteor shower is anticipated early Sunday morning. Can you explain a bit about what makes the Leonids so special?
Dr. Mirsky: Absolutely! The Leonids are fascinating because they are known for their astonishing rates of meteors, sometimes as many as 100 meteors per hour during their peak. They occur every November when Earth passes through the debris left by the comet Tempel-Tuttle. What makes them truly special is their historical context; in the past, they’ve produced remarkable meteor storms.
Editor: That sounds incredible! However, as you mentioned, many people will have difficulty viewing this year’s show due to cloud cover and fog in Germany. How does weather impact meteor watching?
Dr. Mirsky: Weather plays a critical role in stargazing events. Clear skies are essential for observing meteors since clouds and fog obstruct our view of the night sky. When the Leonids peak, the best chance to see them is when the sky is dark and free from light pollution. Unfortunately, if viewers are in an area affected by overcast conditions, they’ll often resort to hoping for a break in the clouds.
Editor: With the clouds expected to linger, what advice do you have for those eager to catch a glimpse of the Leonids?
Dr. Mirsky: Patience is key! If you can find a spot with less light pollution, it’s worth being outside even if the skies are partially covered. You might catch a glimpse of a meteor streaking through the clouds. Alternatively, I’d recommend checking local astronomy clubs or organizations; sometimes they host viewing events with experts who can provide insights and updates on visibility.
Editor: That’s great advice! For those who aren’t able to see the shower this year, how often do the Leonids occur and when can they expect their next opportunity?
Dr. Mirsky: The Leonids occur annually, so there’s always next November to look forward to! However, certain years are more favorable than others, with varying activity levels based on the density of the comet’s debris. Keep an eye out for forecasts in the lead-up to November each year for the best viewing prospects.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mirsky, for your insights today! As we navigate through the clouds this weekend, we’ll look forward to future opportunities to gaze at the wonders of the night sky.
Dr. Mirsky: Thank you for having me! I hope everyone finds a moment to enjoy the beauty of the stars, whether this weekend or in the future.
Editor: Definitely! And for our readers, stay tuned for updates on celestial events and more engaging articles from Time.news.