Imagine it, a magical dance of fiery shards across the night sky, as the Leonid meteor shower set to rain down on planet Earth from 1am according to the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT). It’s been relayed through their latest social media update that spectators could anticipate up to 15 streaking meteors each hour. It’s a celestial ballet performed on a grand stage.
The celestial stage is set perfectly for this cosmic spectacle, given that the weather conditions are predicted to be flawless. The absence of lunar luminescence will ensure a perfect backdrop of a cloudless, moonless night. So, get your blankets, thermos, and your sense of wonder ready for an exciting night under the stars.
The Leonid shower this time around is set to take centre stage near the Leo constellation, which can be found nestling on the eastern side of the night sky. An additional piece of fantastic news from NARIT is that you won’t need any gizmos or gadgets to witness the glittering spectacle. The celestial event is entirely visible to the unaided eye.
For the finest experience and unmatched observation, NARIT has kindly shared some tips for stargazers. It is advised to let your eyes acclimatise to the dark for approximately half an hour in advance of the meteor shower. A full embrace of the night’s vast panorama will enhance the meteoric experience. Likewise, that holds true for those who wish to capture the event on camera; a wide-angle lens would be ideal to encapsulate the magnitude of the spectacle, considering the meteor shower’s capricious nature.
The cause behind this astronomical affair is the remnant of the 55P/Tempel-Tuttle comet’s tail that lingers in the Earth’s orbit. Captivatingly, these meteors could plummet towards earth with a breathtaking velocity amounting to 71 kilometres per second.
The Leonid meteor shower, known for its resplendent display, is arguably the most luminous and vibrant of all meteor showers witnessed from Earth. Thus, it has been bestowed with an apt title – ‘the King of Meteor Showers’. So prepare to be amazed as the ‘King’ takes the stage in full glory, promising a night of extravagant cosmic elegance.
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