Quote:
Originally Posted by Marian-Librarian
there's another shower in November, not as big...I forget the name....
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The Leonids, this year November 17 + 18
Historically, the Leonids have produced some of the greatest meteor storms in history, with rates as high as many thousands of meteors per hour. These storms often recur in cycles of 33 years. During the last several years, we have seen more of a whimper than a growl from Leo the Lion, with a maximum of perhaps 10-15 meteors per hour. In 2009, astrronomers are anticipating on the possibility of a stronger return, with perhaps double the number of meteors – or maybe even a meteor storm. (Astronomers hasten to remind us: there are no guarantees!) But with the new moon falling on November 16, we’re guaranteed of dark skies, so the 2009 Leonid display is well worth checking out. Like the October Orionids, the Leonids tend to pick up steam after midnight and to put out the greatest meteor numbers just before dawn. Watch for these extremely swift, often bright Leonid meteors (half of which leave persistent trains!) between midnight and dawn on November 17 and 18.
EarthSky's meteor shower guide for 2009