Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Alerts! Questions? Discussions... => Topic started by: Whitters on Nov 06, 2004, 20:16:00

Title: EARLY LEONIDS? early peak on Nov. 8th
Post by: Whitters on Nov 06, 2004, 20:16:00
EARLY LEONIDS? The annual Leonid meteor shower normally peaks around the 19th of November.  This year, however, there might be an extra, early peak on Nov. 8th when Earth passes close to a 1000-year-old stream of dust from Comet Tempel-Tuttle. The precise location of this old stream is uncertain.
Forecasters estimate, tentatively, a meteor rate of 50 to 100 per hour--much less than the great Leonid displays of recent years, but still pleasing.  Sky watchers in parts of Europe, Africa and Asia are best-positioned to see the Nov. 8th display--if it happens!

Visit http://spaceweather.com for more information and updates.

[ This Message was edited by: Whitters on 2004-11-06 12:17 ]