Leonid Meteor Shower Nearing its Peak

Tomorrow and Saturday morning, the Leonid Meteor Shower will be at its peak. The shower can be found near the constellation Leo (south of the Big Dipper) with up to 20 meteors per hour. However, the total may be restricted to less than a dozen per hour this year because of a bright half moon.

The Leonids are visible right now because the Earth is passing through debris from the comet 55P/Tempel/Tuttle. The pieces of debris are often as small as grains of sand, but when they burn-up in the earth's atmosphere they can briefly leave bright streaks in the sky. For the best viewing, get away from the city lights if possible!