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(meteorobs) Introduction to the Leonids for beginners...


Cathy Hall has done the following "introduction" to the Leonids for beginners.
Thank you, Cathy! Folks, you can find this introduction on the Web at:

        http://www.meteorobs.org/chall.html

Clear skies!
Lew Gramer


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Leonid Meteor Shower - Event of the Year!

What is this shower?  The Leonids are a sight of a lifetime when they storm,
and they are predicted to storm in large numbers this year.  These meteors
are debris from Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle.

When is it visible?

Leonid meteors can be seen from November 14th to 21st.  However, the highest
rates for observers on the east coast of North America will be seen -
according to a variety of predictions - probably between about 4 am and 6 am
on Sunday November 18th, ie. for those on Eastern Standard Time.  For
observers on the west coast of North America, the highest rates will be seen
probably between about 1 am and 3 am on Sunday November 18th, ie. for those
on Pacific Time.

Where should I go to watch it?

Get out of the city.  Drive to darker country skies.  Many of these meteors
could be faint - and you could miss hundreds - or even thousands - of
meteors if you stay in the city.

Where in the sky will the meteors come from?

The meteors will seem to come from the 'sickle' of Leo, if you trace them
back.  However, they can be seen anywhere in the whole sky.

How many meteors will I see?

This will be a surprise!  Predictions range from less than 1000 per hour in
a perfect country sky - to perhaps over 4000 per hour per person, visible
with the unaided eye.  This assumes very dark skies, with Leo right
overhead.  If you don't go out in the country to look - you won't know what
you missed.

Where can I get more information?

The North American Meteor Network website at:
www.namnmeteors.org

The International Meteor Organization website at www.imodot net.  There is also
information on this site about how to photograph and videotape meteors.

To really tune in to what is being observed around the globe, consider
subscribing to the "Meteorobs" email list.  The subscriber form is at
www.meteorobs.org/subscribe.html

A special Leonid Link list has been set up at:
www.meteorobs.org/storms.html


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