Leonid Meteor Showers – Natural Fireworks Show on Nov 17

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Nov 16: Dr. A P Bhat, the coordinator of Poornaprajna Amateur Astronomers Club (PAAC) of Poornaprajna College, said that people can enjoy a natural fireworks show in the sky, in the form of Leonid Meteor Showers, on the nights of Nov 17 and Nov 18 after 1 a.m. 

This natural treat is for Asians only. Usually, sky watchers can view 20 - 30 meteors per hour; but this time, people will be able to see 100 meteors per hour.

Dr. Bhat said that the Leonid Meteor Shower is the result of the earth passing through trails of heavy debris left behind by Comet Temple-Tuttle. The name of the shower suggests that the source of the meteor shower is Constellation Leo. 

Dr. Bhat explained that inter planetary debris burns about 50 kms above the surface of the earth whenever the enter its atmosphere; and this can be viewed as bright trails that last for a short time, like fireworks. These "natural fireworks shows" occur only in certain locations of the sky at certain times of the year. 

Annually, the sky displays 10 meteor showers. The Leonid Meteor Showers can be viewed every year on Nov 17.