The next few days will be peak nights for the Iota Aurigids and Leonids meteor showers. The Iota Aurigids’ peak night is November 15, and Leonids’ peak is November 17. The moon is almost full these days and it can be very annoying especially at the beginning of the night, but clouds are likely to bother you more this year. In this article, you can read if you can see falling stars in the near future.
The Iota Aurigids meteor shower will reach its maximum extent on November 16, but the best time to observe the Aurigids is around 3:30 a.m. the day before. It is estimated that 4 to 9 meteors can be seen in the southwestern sky every hour. Together with other swarms, approximately 19 to 29 bright stars can be seen per hour in both dark and bright conditions.
Leonids’ meteor shower will reach its climax on Wednesday, November 17th. The best time to view Leonids is November 17 at 6:00 am on the southeast horizon. It is estimated that from 5 to 11 meteors can be seen from this swarm every hour. Together with meteors from other swarms, a total of about 23 to 34 meteors can be seen per hour.
Leonids meteors are fast and also famous for star showers in 1799, 1833, 1866, 1966 and 1999.
Photo: Luke Grangin
The moon is almost full and clouds prevail
It is doubtful that we will get a good view of the shooting stars in the coming days. The moon will be very troublesome in the coming days, especially at the beginning of the night, because Friday, November 19 will be a full moon. On Monday, November 15, the moon will set at 3:20 am, and on the following days the moon will be set at the end of the night. So if you look early in the morning, the moon will not bother you anymore.
Read also Our tips for seeing a meteor
It is also questionable whether the weather will cooperate. Lots of cloud fields move over the country and there is also a chance of fog, especially at night and early morning. The nights are very cold with temperatures ranging from 1 to 5 degrees, and if you go on a “star gazing trip” a thick jacket is definitely recommended.
Read it The most comprehensive weather forecast in the Netherlands And see if clouds throw a wrench in the works. Incidentally, both the Aurigids and Leonids were also meteor stars in the earlier and later days.
Photo: AdobeStock Marco
New opportunities in December
If the stars do not appear next week due to the many clouds, then there is a new opportunity in mid-December. A stellar barrage of Geminids will produce 90 to 105 meteors per hour under apparent conditions. Also known as Squadron of the Year.
Source: heaven.perception.com
Main image: Agence France-Presse
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