Leonids meteor shower set to spark November skies
Dan Brown REPORTER
Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
The Leonids meteor shower is expected to produce upwards of 500 meteors per hour on Nov. 17. While Youngstown is not the best area to see the better part of the show, there is still hope that those watching will get to see the shower while watching the sky.
The peak time for the meteor shower is predicted to occur between 4:34 and 4:44 p.m., but Dr. Pat Durrell of the Youngstown State University department of physics and astronomy is hopeful those watching after the sun sets will get a chance to see the shower.
Additionally, the moon will not be visible during the shower because of a new moon, eliminating the moon as a meteor shower distraction. Durrell also has advice for sky watchers.
"You don't need telescopes or binoculars [to see a meteor shower]," Durrell said. "Leave the fancy stuff at home."
To have a chance at seeing the shower, watchers have to be selective about the area they choose to watch. Durrell suggests a dark area that doesn't have many lights interfering with the view of the sky.
"If the sky is lit up with city and moon light, you're going to have a harder time seeing anything," Durrell said.
Viewers also need to have a good line of sight, with no trees or other objects obstructing the view. Durrell suggests bringing a comfortable chair, as those committed to watching will be sitting and looking up at the sky for some time. Durrell warns that people should also be prepared physically. November in Ohio is often cold with chances of snow; those outdoors should dress accordingly.
"It sucks sitting and waiting for a meteor in the cold," Durrell said.
Durrell said that the Leonids meteor shower has provided some good shows for watchers in the past. Durrell admits that the Mahoning Valley may not be the best location to see a meteor. He also said he doesn't want to give guarantees to those watching, but viewers may be rewarded for their efforts.
The Leonids would need to put out more than 1,000 meteors per hour to be considered a meteor storm.
The peak time for the meteor shower is predicted to occur between 4:34 and 4:44 p.m., but Dr. Pat Durrell of the Youngstown State University department of physics and astronomy is hopeful those watching after the sun sets will get a chance to see the shower.
Additionally, the moon will not be visible during the shower because of a new moon, eliminating the moon as a meteor shower distraction. Durrell also has advice for sky watchers.
"You don't need telescopes or binoculars [to see a meteor shower]," Durrell said. "Leave the fancy stuff at home."
To have a chance at seeing the shower, watchers have to be selective about the area they choose to watch. Durrell suggests a dark area that doesn't have many lights interfering with the view of the sky.
"If the sky is lit up with city and moon light, you're going to have a harder time seeing anything," Durrell said.
Viewers also need to have a good line of sight, with no trees or other objects obstructing the view. Durrell suggests bringing a comfortable chair, as those committed to watching will be sitting and looking up at the sky for some time. Durrell warns that people should also be prepared physically. November in Ohio is often cold with chances of snow; those outdoors should dress accordingly.
"It sucks sitting and waiting for a meteor in the cold," Durrell said.
Durrell said that the Leonids meteor shower has provided some good shows for watchers in the past. Durrell admits that the Mahoning Valley may not be the best location to see a meteor. He also said he doesn't want to give guarantees to those watching, but viewers may be rewarded for their efforts.
The Leonids would need to put out more than 1,000 meteors per hour to be considered a meteor storm.
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