Stargazers had better take a nap this evening. They could be in for a long night.
The Leonid meteor shower is awaited to make peak visibility near dawn early Thursday morning.
As anticipated, there are a lot of "ifs" that factor into whether Seattle will get a good look at the shower. The meteor shower will be noticeable if there isn't too much cloud coverage and if the moon's light doesn't affect the show.
That last variable is a fear for stargazers elsewhere, too. That's one reason optimal viewing is thought to be in the wee hours of the morning -- after the half-moon sets.
The Leonid shower is one of the greatest high-volume shows the universe puts on, with about 15 meteors per hour. The objects seem to radiate from the constellation Leo.
Here's how NASA describes the shower:
The Leonids have not only produced some of the best meteor showers in history, but they have occasionally achieved the status of meteor storm. During a Leonid meteor storm, many thousands of meteors per hour can bombard across the sky. Scientists believe these storms recur in cycles of about 33 years, though the reason is mysterious. The last documented Leonid meteor storm occurred in 2002.
The meteors are observable from earth every year, but not to the extent of 2002. This year is bringing a more sedate performance from the Leonids, which are active from Nov. 7 through 28.
The Leonid meteor shower is awaited to make peak visibility near dawn early Thursday morning.
As anticipated, there are a lot of "ifs" that factor into whether Seattle will get a good look at the shower. The meteor shower will be noticeable if there isn't too much cloud coverage and if the moon's light doesn't affect the show.
That last variable is a fear for stargazers elsewhere, too. That's one reason optimal viewing is thought to be in the wee hours of the morning -- after the half-moon sets.
The Leonid shower is one of the greatest high-volume shows the universe puts on, with about 15 meteors per hour. The objects seem to radiate from the constellation Leo.
Here's how NASA describes the shower:
The Leonids have not only produced some of the best meteor showers in history, but they have occasionally achieved the status of meteor storm. During a Leonid meteor storm, many thousands of meteors per hour can bombard across the sky. Scientists believe these storms recur in cycles of about 33 years, though the reason is mysterious. The last documented Leonid meteor storm occurred in 2002.
The meteors are observable from earth every year, but not to the extent of 2002. This year is bringing a more sedate performance from the Leonids, which are active from Nov. 7 through 28.
Cloud coverage is expected for Wednesday night, so Seattle viewers might have a tough time viewing the show. NASA recommends those interested keep an eye out on clear nights up through Nov. 28, when visibility is believed to end.
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