Sunday, November 13, 2011

Leonid Meteor Shower for 2011 Will Contend with Moonlight

There is no need to stay up late the check out the Leonid meteor shower this year. The Leonid meteor shower for 2011 is ramping up toward its peak later this week. However, it is going to contend with a nearly full moon this year.

The Leonid meteor shower peaks each year on the night of November 17th.  For the best chance to see some Leonid you will need to get out to to look at the night sky before the moon rises. The moon will be bright on the 17th, and once it rises, it will light up the night sky, washing out nearly all but the brightest of shooting stars.

A storm system with clouds may wash out some meteor shower viewing in the days leading up to the peak hear in the Appalachians, but as Thursday approaches the storm system should the region with high pressure building in.  This should lead to crystal clear and chilly nights for at least a few hours of searching the skies for shooting stars.

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