Leonids viewing

NeilW · #1 03-11-2009, 12:52 PM

According to info on the web, the Leonid meteor shower is supposed to reach its peak on the 18th November this year. From the Southern Hemisphere, would the best viewing time therefore be early morning on the 18th or the 19th?

Thanks

Neil.

Outbackmanyep · #2 03-11-2009, 12:59 PM

Early morning on the 18th, predictions of meteor storms of 500+/hr happen at various times throughout that morning but will favour Asian countries, some models predict a frenzy at about 11am our time! LOL ZHR's range from 40 to 100+, i'm hoping it'll exceed predicitons!

Still worth a look, Leo rises about 2am so you may catch a few bright ones comng over the horizon, i'll be watching from 1am onwards........

Remember not to expect a good showing but be there if it happens!!!

NeilW · #3 03-11-2009, 01:06 PM

Thanks. I'll be watching, just in case!

Octane (Humayun) · #4 03-11-2009, 01:13 PM

It's a pity that their peak is during our daytime. Still, leading up to sunrise should be good!

Regards,
Humayun

digitalplankton (Sid) · #5 04-11-2009, 09:43 PM

looking forward to this one!

mswhin63 (Malcolm) · #6 04-11-2009, 10:04 PM

Why so early in the morning.

Clarry (Clayton) · #7 05-11-2009, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mswhin63

Why so early in the morning.

I wish I knew. It seems every time there's a shower, 4 to 5am is the best viewing time. Never once seen a 9pm optimum time.

erick (Eric) · #8 05-11-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mswhin63

Why so early in the morning.

If you think about the rotation of the earth and its revolution around the Sun, you will see that is the time when the atmosphere above you is ploughing into the dust stream. In theory, the best time would be during the first half of the day - pity it's a bit bright then.

During the early evening, much of the earth is between you and the "oncoming" dust stream.

Outbackmanyep · #9 05-11-2009, 03:26 PM

The Leonids have a typical speed of 71km/s, the Earth slams into a stream on the morning side as that is the direction of the Earths orbital motion.
For meteors to enter our atmosphere in the evenings they have to "catch up" to Earth, whereas in the morning they slam head on......

Like driving in a car, thats why you never see bugs splattered on your back window!

Clarry (Clayton) · #10 05-11-2009, 04:40 PM

I suppose that makes sense, pity though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outbackmanyep

Like driving in a car, thats why you never see bugs splattered on your back window!

You've never seen my neighbor reverse out of his driveway.

Kevnool (Kev) · #11 07-11-2009, 02:31 PM

I shall be outside to catch this event.
From the IMO and NASA sites it all sounds great.
As said Be out there just in case.
The new moon adds the topping to the pudding.

Cheers Kev.

Jabba (Keenan) · #12 11-11-2009, 03:04 PM

Would you be able to view this meteor shower with the naked eye? if so would it be worth it?
I really wanna see it!!!

orestis · #13 11-11-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jabba

Would you be able to view this meteor shower with the naked eye? if so would it be worth it?
I really wanna see it!!!

hi jabba,
Yes ,actually thats pretty much the only way because their so fast but binoculars are good if they leave a trail.well everyone is saying the leonids are going to be great with over 100 meteors per hour i think this is a good opportunity to enjoy a meteor storm.Even though its in the morning i think it will be worth it.

can't wait to see them myself,its going to be great.

orestis

orestis · #14 11-11-2009, 04:42 PM

hi everyone,

i was just wondering if i had a look tonight will there be a lot of meteors or should i wait until the peak.

thanks in advance
orestis

Jazza11 (Jeremy) · #15 11-11-2009, 05:41 PM

Yea if i went out tonight would i see any???

erick (Eric) · #16 12-11-2009, 01:18 AM

Probably not tonight, but I know of someone who says they plan to observe every night from Sun to Thur!!

Best bet would be three nights, straddling the expected maximum - so Tue, Wed and Thur mornings, from about 2am to 5am! Yawn!

Rakarth · #17 15-11-2009, 11:03 PM

Hi all, : )
I'm a complete noob and know nothing about astronomy but am willing to go for a long drive to have a good view of the Leonids shower. Can anyone recommend a good place to view them from for someone living in Sydney Australia?

Octane (Humayun) · #18 16-11-2009, 01:43 AM

Hi Rak (small world),

Where abouts are you in Sydney? You're welcome to join us at Lake George near Canberra.

Regards,
Humayun

glenc (Glen) · #19 17-11-2009, 04:54 AM

Looked for Leonids this morning from 3:45am to 4:05 am DST. Did not see any.
Here is my report from 2001 http://leonid.arc.nasa.gov/01comment34.txt

CoombellKid · #20 17-11-2009, 07:07 AM

Was out for a bit at 1am this morning.... didn't see any. But then again
I wasn't actually looking for them.

Will have another look see tomorrow.

Cheers,CS