How Do You View The Leonid Meteor Showers?
The last Leonid meteor shower peak came in 1998, but observers report that appreciable activity may continue through 2002. The International Meteor Organization says, “All observing methods should be utilized, especially photography and video if a storm manifests.” Dress warmly. You’ll be outdoors in the cool night air of November. Set your alarm and be ready at 0800 Universal Time on November 17th for the predicted peak. Get as far away from artificial light as possible. Use a patio chaise lounge to recline comfortably as you look into the night sky. Find the constellation Leo. The Leonid shower will appear to originate from that point. Look for the constellation Leo to the northeast and then about halfway up from the horizon toward the vertical if you’re in the northern hemisphere. Watch to the southeast as Leonid meteors streak away from the radiant point. Use a telescope or binoculars to locate the constellation, but forget them when watching for meteors. They have a narrow field o
