Title: Annual Leonid Meteor Shower to Illuminate Guam’s Skies
Guam residents are in for a celestial treat this weekend as the highly anticipated annual Leonid meteor shower is set to peak. The shower, while not the most active of the year, promises to dazzle spectators with around 15 shooting stars per hour under clear conditions.
As luck would have it, the crescent moon will set in the evening, allowing dark skies that are not washed out by bright moonlight. NASA recommends skygazers to head outside at around midnight for the best chance to spot the meteors. It is advised to choose a viewing spot far away from city lights and other forms of light pollution to fully appreciate the display.
With mid-November temperatures in mind, it is wise to bundle up before stepping out to witness this celestial spectacle. The shower will appear to emanate from the constellation Leo, which rises in the east after midnight this month. Hence, the meteors will seemingly streak in all directions from this heavenly point.
The Leonid meteor shower is not restricted to a specific hemisphere, making it visible in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. While the shower is expected to last from November 3 to December 2, the peak in activity is expected early on Saturday.
These meteors are known for their brightness, and if conditions are favorable, they can even exhibit vivid colors. So, be prepared to witness a captivating celestial ballet of shooting stars.
The Leonid meteor shower occurs annually as Earth traverses the trails of debris left by Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle during its journey around the sun. This comet completes one orbit every 33 years and occasionally blesses the Earth with meteor storms during its peak activity. The most recent meteor storm occurred in 2002, generating an awe-inspiring display of hundreds to thousands of meteors per hour.
The Leonid meteor shower is a beloved event for stargazers worldwide, and Guam’s residents are fortunate to be able to witness this natural phenomenon. So, mark your calendars, look to the skies, and prepare to be amazed by the captivating display as shooting stars paint the nocturnal canvas in a breathtaking celestial dance.
“Infuriatingly humble tv expert. Friendly student. Travel fanatic. Bacon fan. Unable to type with boxing gloves on.”