Meteor shower of 17th and 18th November is the talk of the town these days. Leonids shower is an event of big attraction for sky watchers. The meteor shower is the result of burning of debris particles when they enter earth’s atmosphere leading to rapid ignition due to friction with air.

The burning of particles results in illumination in the sky. The particles enter earth’s atmosphere when earth passes through the debris of the comet during its annual movement. Every year, Leonids enter the earth’s surface in the month of November. As far as the size of particles is concerned, the meteors are mostly even smaller than sand particles but they show a very sensational illumination in the sky. The bigger specks leave behind a series of tiny particles that shine in the atmosphere.

Leonids are brightest meteors. Leonids originate from the constellation of Leo which is a particular spot in the sky and it is where comet Tempel-Tuttle is located. The name “Leonids” is extracted from the word Lion. As Lion and Leo are synonymous, so Leonids refer to the asteroids from the constellation of Leo. Leonids will be showered with a maximum rate today. So the sky watchers are advised not to miss this rare opportunity to see the sensation because Leonids are expected to illuminate the whole sky.

Leonids are expected to sprinkle at a rate of more than 500 Leonids per hour. But certainly it cannot be regarded as the meteor storm for which the rate should be at least 1000 meteors per hour.

Meteor Shower November 17