It’s time once again for the Leonid meteor shower! Last year, while walking down the sidewalk, there was a large flash in the sky. This was November 2001 in Washington, DC, so I was understandably jumpy about terrorist threats. I looked up and saw nothing — then suddenly another, then another. Meteors! I’d never seen so many. In fact, I don’t remember seeing more than one ever in my life.
It was very cool, and I hope that this year there will be as spectacular a show. (They’re saying it will be the best in nearly 100 years, so don’t miss it!) I’ll be in Phoenix as of tomorrow, so I hope the clear desert skies will make a great backdrop.
The best view is supposed to be just before dawn on Tuesday, November 19 (0400 UT in Europe and 5:30 a.m. ET, 2:30 a.m. PT in North America). Pick a spot with a clear view to the east. There will be a full moon, which will blot out many meteors, but it helps if you block out the moon from your vision with a tall building or even your hand.
Then, the next day, enjoy the stories on the news of people who frantically called 911 claiming that they were being attacked by 1) missiles, 2) aliens, or 3) a secret government conspiracy.
It’s time once again for the Leonid meteor shower!
