[Ansteorra] Night of Shooting Stars

[Jane Sitton]

By some quirk of fate, I awoke at 5 a.m. today and was
able to see a bit of the Leonids, quite good,
actually, for living in town (Ft. Worth).  It must
have been spectacular for those out in the country,
away from all the "light pollution".

Ly Madelina de Lindesaya
Canton of Loch Ruadh
Barony of Elfsea

--- Bob Kelley <bkelley at accd.edu> wrote:
> Greetings Ansteorrans,
>
>      While a bit off the medieval topic, our
> medieval ancestors did
> enjoy the same sight.  Tonight, and especially
> tomorrow morning, we
> could be in for quite a celestial display of
> "shooting stars" as the
> peak of the Leonid meteor shower takes place.
> Although the Moon is full
> and will hinder our observations, if your skies are
> clear, the meteor
> shower could prove quite spectacular.
>      Based upon the latest NASA calculations, our
> part of the planet -
> Ansteorra - should see the meteor shower reach peak
> activity sometime
> between 3:00am and 6:00am CST prior to sunrise on
> Tuesday, November
> 19th.  Some astronomers are predicting meteor rates
> of 500 to 2000 per
> hour near peak activity, even with brilliant
> moonlight.  An initial peak
> of activity will take place near 10:00pm CST, but
> this peak will favor
> observers in Europe.  Our best show should occur
> prior to sunrise on the
> 19th.
>      Just for your information, a telescope or
> binoculars are not
> required to enjoy the show.  Your own two eyes are
> best for meteor
> watching.  Normally, I advise a trip away from city
> lights, but the Full
> Moon's light will negate this recommendation.
>      The Leonid meteor shower happens every year,
> but it's always best
> when the Earth goes though thicker concentrations of
> particles left
> behind by the meteor shower's parent comet.  The
> meteors will appear to
> come the from the constellation of Leo the Lion
> which rises in the
> eastern sky at 11:00pm and is high overhead by
> sunrise.  The meteors may
> appear to come from this area of the sky, but should
> appear in all
> directions.
>     My best recommendation would be to lie back in a
> lawn chair or a
> blanket spread out on the ground.  Dress warmly and
> enjoy the sky show!
> By the way, due to a variety of astronomical
> factors, this could be the
> last great Leonid show for a couple of centuries!
>
>     Wishing you clear skies!
>
>     Bob Kelley/ Scobee Planetarium
>     Sir Emrys Shaunnon/ Baron of Bjornsborg

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