2014 Meteor Shower: Leonid Meteor Shower Set To Peak On November 17 And 18, Best To View Between Midnight And Dawn
Another meteor shower is set to peak in mid-November after the sky watchers experience the Taurid meteor shower display. The annual Leonid meteor shower peak will take place on the nights of Nov. 17 and 18.
According to The Washington Post report, the astronomers from the American Meteor Society and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada predict that the Leonid meteor shower will be a normal and tame display this 2014 where 15 to 20 meteors can be observed per hour during its peak. Additionally, the sky watchers should not be bothered with the moon since it will not hamper their viewing experience this time.
A Sky & Telescope report noted down that the Leonid meteor shower display promises fiery comet shards streaking across the dark skies since the viewing conditions are just about ideal. Aside from their fireballs, the Leonids are also known for their glowing trails of hot at ionized atmospheric gases that the blazing meteors left behind.
To best view the 2014 Leonid meteor shower peak, the sky watchers are recommended to step outside between midnight and dawn on Monday, Nov. 17, and Tuesday, Nov. 18. The skies are expected to be fairly dark since no moonlight will hinder view.
The sky watchers should find a location away from the bright lights and then adjust their eyes to the darkness of the night in order to see the Leonid meteor shower display. With the November nights already chilly, the observers are advised to dress up warmly before they stay outside for hours.
Dressing up warmly includes layers of clothing, coat, gloves and winter boots. Having warm drinks, snacks, a reclining chair and a blanket will also make the meteor shower viewing experience ideal.
Since the Leonid meteors can be observed in the sky in any direction, the sky watchers are suggested to take a seat or lie down, cover up in a warm blanket and sip on hot coffee or chocolate while patiently looking up to see the meteor shower display.
A pair of binoculars or a large telescope can be used as well to enhance the viewing experience of the 2014 Leonid meteor shower. It is suggested that a 6-inch or a larger telescope with a video camera hooked onto the scope be used in observing and recording the sky display.