Spectacular Meteor Show Expected

The 2009 Leonid meteor shower is expected to reach peak intensity tomorrow. It should be a fantastic show, since tonight we have a new moon. This means a relatively dark sky early tomorrow morning when the Leonids are at their peak.

Bill Cooke of NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office predicts 20 - 30 meteors per hour over North America. Skywatchers in Asia will have an even better show, with perhaps 200 - 300 per hour observable.

The Leonid meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through the stream of debris left by Comet Tempel-Tuttle. The International Meteor Organization provides much more information for all you detail-oriented folks. This site provides practical information and tips for amateur meteor watchers like us.

We are expected to pass through the first wisp of the comet debris stream at 4:00 AM EST on Nov. 17. Set your alarm clock!

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