Leonid Meteor Shower

Tristan Bennett writes "It looks as though those in Australia and America are in for a real treat. During the week before and after November 18, the Earth will pass through the trail of comet Tempel-Tuttle and be pelted with hail of sand-sized material. This year is supposed to be special, with astronomers predicting anywhere from 800 (North America) - 8,000 (Australia) meteors visible per hour at the storm's peak -- on November 18th."

Comments

A great show is only a possibility.

[pomakis]

I'd like to point out that there's only the possibility of a great show. The Leonids are usually quite unimpressive, and only once every several years does it turn into a meteor storm. It's about time for another storm, but it's hard to predict with certainty. Last year astronomers were saying the same thing. They crossed their fingers and stood out shivering in a dark field in the middle of the night, only to see a very disappointing display.

I for one am planning on standing out shivering in a dark field in the middle of the night this year to see it (assuming a clear night, of course), but I'm prepared for disappointment.