By: Cathy Hall <namn@atmob.org> North American Meteor Network November 9, 2001 What are the Leonids? What is this shower? The Leonids are a sight of a lifetime when they storm, and they are predicted by some researchers to storm in large numbers in 2001. 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, i.e. 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 a few hundred 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: http://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: http://www.meteorobs.org/subscribe.html A special Leonid Link list has been set up at: http://www.meteorobs.org/storms.html