Usually when people get excited about a meteor shower, it ends up being a big disappointment, as a lack of visibility makes it impossible to see. However, with the moon expected to be only 5% visible this week, an upcoming meteor shower is expected to light up the sky all across the United States. The Leonid meteor shower is expected to be visible in both the northern and southern hemisphere this week, reaching its peak early Tuesday morning.
The diminutive Comet Tempel-Tuttle, which is the parent body of the Leonids, is expected to cross the Earth’s orbit this week, creating a meteor shower. The comet takes 33 years to complete its orbit around the sun. It is expected to be at its most visible in the early hours of Tuesday, as it will reach its peak on November 16th and 17th.
Those viewing the Leonid meteor shower can expect to see about 10 to 15 meteors per hour. While it will be most visible in the northern hemisphere, the vaporizing shower of debris in the atmosphere will be able to be seen in the southern hemisphere as well. Make sure to check out the sky Tuesday night, or wait another 33 years.
Via CNN