The annual Leonid meteor shower is a celestial display resulting from the remnants of the Tempel-Tuttle comet, which orbits the sun every 33 years. As the comet nears the sun, it releases a substantial amount of material, forming a dense cloud of dust and gas in its wake. This cloud follows the comet’s orbit, gradually spreading over time.
Each November, Earth crosses the orbit of Tempel-Tuttle, occasionally encountering the comet’s dust cloud. During this encounter, dust particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds (around 70 km/s), igniting and creating luminous streaks in the sky – a phenomenon known as the Leonid meteor shower.
Named after the Leo constellation, where the meteors appear to radiate, the Leonid meteor shower is characterized by bright streaks or shooting stars. Often peaking in mid-November, the shower is notorious for occasional meteor storms, marked by a heightened influx of meteors.
This year, the Leonid meteor shower spans from November 3 to December 2, reaching its peak on the night of November 17-18. Visible throughout India, observers can anticipate up to 15 meteors per hour originating from the Leo constellation.
To witness this natural spectacle, individuals in India are encouraged to migrate to dark areas away from city lights, allowing their eyes to adjust to the darkness. Opt for tranquil, light-free locations to fully enjoy the grandeur of the 2023 Leonid meteor shower. With temperatures decreasing, it is advisable to wear appropriate clothing for warmth during observation.
In the event of missing the Leonid meteor shower due to unforeseen circumstances, there are two other meteor showers expected in 2023:
- Geminids:
- Peaking from December 14-15 and active from December 4-20.
- Originating from the Gemini constellation, the Geminids are distinct due to their association with the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, setting them apart from most comet-related meteor showers.
- Ursids:
- Active from December 17-26, peaking from December 22-23.
- The Ursids Meteor Shower occurs as Earth encounters debris from Comet 8P/Tuttle, often producing faint meteors with short tails, requiring patience during observation.