Starwatch this week is an advance warning of next weeks peak in the Leonid meteor Shower. It is currently in full swing and will last from 6 to 30 December. Peak activity is expected to occur in the morning of 17/11.
This chart shows London's view at midnight, when 16 becomes 17 November. Leo will rise from Sydney, Australia, a few hours later. Because they radiate from the Leo constellation, the lion, the Leonids get their name. You can find the radiant just below the head of the Lion, but don't look directly at it when looking for shooting stars. Instead, meteors appear all around the radiant so keep your eyes open for them.
Although meteors can be best seen from the darkest possible location, this year's waxing gibbous Moon will block some of the brighter meteors. In perfect darkness, with no moon, you will see 10-15 meteors per hour. The numbers this year will not be as high, but that should not discourage you. Patience is the key. One bright meteor can create a lasting memory.
