2003 Leonid Meteors Shower ( Updated on 8 Nov 2003 )

The public have been impressed by the 2001 Leonids display and many of them are longing for its reoccurrence. The Leonids will have two maxima on 14th and 19th November (Hong Kong Time) this year, and the observing condition on 14th November is better for Hong Kong. However, as the meteoroids stream is less dense than 2001, let alone the presence of moon, the shower is expected to be less spectacular.

The occurrence times of maxima are as follows:

(source : International Meteor Organization)

Although Hong Kong is located favourably during 14th November maxima, the waning gibbous moon will be around the constellation Leo and will "wash out" most of the meteors. Nonetheless, there may be a fair chance to see a meteor every several minutes. Get prepared for a possible fireball that outshines the Moon!

Here are some tips for watching the Leonids: 

1. Those who want to perform scientific record of Leonids should keep the watchful eyes on the sky 1 to 2 days before and after the predicted maxima.

2. The constellation Leo will rise slowly in the east at midnight. At 2 am, the radiant will be around 20 degrees above the horizon.

3. Although the radiant of the Leonids is close to the star Adhafera (Zeta Leonis), do not look directly at it. A distance between 40 to 60 degrees away from the radiant is optimal.

4. Since the Moon is the most interfering object, light pollution from the city will not be a big concern. An open place with unobstructed view towards the east is good enough. 

5. As it is late autumn in Hong Kong, the weather can get quite chilly at night, bring enough warm clothes with you. Avoid going alone and remember to bring a mobile phone with you. 

6. Basic equipment includes a star-map, a red torch, a deck chair and a sleeping bag or blanket. 

7. You may capture the image of Leonids by camera or video camera. Basic equipment includes camera with long time exposure function, tripod and fast film (ISO400 or above). Camera lens should be set to infinity with maximum aperture. Then, you can point the camera to the night sky for a 1-minute exposure time. Do not overexpose, as the moonlight will washout the background. 

History

Most of the meteoroids of the Leonid meteor stream concentrate in an elongated thin ribbon-like region. The stream orbits around the sun in an elliptical orbit with a period of about 33 years. Therefore a magnificent display of Leonid meteors is expected to occur every 33 to 34 years.