LOOK UP! 2015 Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks Soon

By MARC TORRENCE (Patch National Staff)

The Leonid meteor shower will light up the sky this month, a shower that NASA says produces “some of the fastest meteors out there.”

Viewers across the continental United States will be able to see the display.

Here’s what you need to know.

When is it?

The shower will peak November 17-18, with the best viewing at about midnight local time, according to NASA.

The moon is expected to be a small crescent that sets at midnight, making for great viewing conditions afterwards.

How do I see it?

• Find a dark, clear area away from city lights and other light pollution.
• Make sure to bring a blanket, sleeping bag or something else to keep warm.
• Lie down (NASA says you’re feet should be facing East), and let the night sky fill your vision. Try to avoid bright lights like a phone screen.
• In about 30 minutes, your eyes will be fully adjusted to the dark and will spot the flying streaks much easier.

What is a meteor shower?

When the Earth passes through the orbit of a comet or asteroid, the bits of debris left behind from the object enter the Earth’s atmosphere.

Upon entry, they immediately burn up, creating bright (and harmless) streaks across the sky.

What are the Leonids?

The Leonids come from comet “55P/Tempel-Tuttle,” which orbits the sun every 33 years.

At 44 miles per second, the Leonids are some of the fastest around and peak at about 15 per hour.

In 1966, conditions were just right for viewers to see “thousands of meteors per minute” during the Leonids, according to NASA.

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