Leonids Meteor Shower Nov. 16th
The Leonid meteors are classified as bright, colorful, and "some of the fastest meteors out there." Typical velocity for a fragment is about 44 miles (71 kilometers) per second. The meteor shower takes place through November, but the peak will come on the evening of November 16th this month.
The Leonids appear white or bluish white, many are faint, though some can appear outstandingly bright, leaving glowing trails in their wake. This meteor shower has been known to produce fireballs, a bright meteor that can leave a streak of color that lingers for several seconds. The fireballs originate from much bigger chunks of comet material, which produces the extra colorful display. Observers can also spot earthgrazers, or meteors that streak close to the horizon.
The Leonids are best visible after midnight, and it's possible for an annual peak to come to a meteor a minute — as long as the observer is in a dark location. The farther you can get from light pollution the better you will be able to absorb light. Let your eyes adjust to darkness for 30 minutes. Dress warmly. Bring a reclining chair, or spread a thick blanket over a flat spot of ground. Lie down and look up somewhat toward the Eastern sky. Meteors can appear in any part of the sky, although their trails will tend to point back toward the radiant Leo(below).
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