PSA: Leonid meteor shower peaks this weekend...

[Earth_First]

Peak is tomorrow night around 5 a.m. however viewing will still be noteworthy tonight between midnight and dawn with meteors in the 10-15 per hour range. 

Unfortunately, the full moon ( known as the "Beaver" moon ) reaches it's fullest tommorrow as well, which will wash all but the brightest meteors from view. 

At any rate, it's worth checking out if you have clear skies and a desire to stay up late ( or set an alarm... ) 

Happy viewing!

[2naSalit]

1. Thanks

I was planning to get some viewing in but it seems we are having our biggest snowstorm of the season (so far) this weekend. Got a foot of it last night and looks like we might have two by morning. The winter storm watch is in effect until tomorrow night. Maybe it will clear off enough to watch for a little while before it's over. I'm sure going to try to catch a glimpse. Happens nearly every time there's something cool to watch like a meteor shower, we get clouds. I have seen a couple meteors through clouds before so it may not be a total wash.

[NRaleighLiberal]

2. I was lucky to catch the Leonids during the incredible outburts of 1999/2000 or so

at one point early in the AM, looking at the sky was like being in a car driving through snow - over 1000 per hour - once in a lifetime experience.

[Earth_First]

3. Anyone who witnessed that event will never forget.

It was incredible!

[NRaleighLiberal]

5. I headed out to a lake near my house at 11 PM - not sure of what to expect.

Meteors were pretty bright, but maybe 10-20/hour from 11-midnight - it accelerated so rapidly. Went home to get my family - we had a wonderful time and stayed up until nearly dawn!

[gopiscrap]

4. cool