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Leonid Meteor Showers in USVI November 18?
Leonid Meteor Showers in USVI November 18?
earthandsky.org mention that the Leonids peak Saturday November 18. Has anyone had any luck seeing the show in previous years?
Cheers, RickG
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
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California Girl
Rick, I'd have to check to see what phase the moon is in, but if you're lucky enough to have a new moon the Leonids are one of the year's most spectacular meteor showers. Sometimes they're VERY active, sometimes not so much. But if you can stay up late enough (meteor showers usually peak about 1:00 - 2:00 a.m.) you will be in for a treat.
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California Girl
Here's some information that may help you. You're in luck! There's a new moon that night!
LEONIDS (maximum November 19; 4:45 UT
[November 18; 8:45pm PST; 11:45pm EST])
Moon: New (no interference)
Best viewing window: European observers should have the best view, during the predawn hours of Sunday, November 19. North American observers (East Coast strongly favored) should start watching just before midnight on Saturday evening, November 18, and continue watching through the morning hours of November 19.
Recommended for: Anyone interested in meteor observing; just keep in mind uncertainties in predictions and don't expect to see any Leonids if you're watching before the radiant rises (11pm-midnight for most mid-northern locations).
Some years ago, when the teams of David Asher and Robert McNaught were making their groundbreaking predictions of Leonid storms and outbursts for the years 1999-2002, they also noted a possible outburst for 2006. This November, we'll find out whether that prediction comes true. On November 19, the Earth is due to pass through a trail of debris left by the Leonids' parent comet on one of its previous returns. A sharp peak of perhaps 100 Leonids/hour is expected, although there is a bit of uncertainty. If it occurs very near the predicted time of 4:45 UT, Europe and Western Africa will see the display during the favored morning hours. The East Coast of North America will see a bit of the display (maybe up to 25 per hour) as earthgrazing Leonids starting when the radiant rises at around 11pm. Depending on just how short and sharp this peak is, most of North America may be out of luck.
LEONIDS (maximum November 19; 4:45 UT
[November 18; 8:45pm PST; 11:45pm EST])
Moon: New (no interference)
Best viewing window: European observers should have the best view, during the predawn hours of Sunday, November 19. North American observers (East Coast strongly favored) should start watching just before midnight on Saturday evening, November 18, and continue watching through the morning hours of November 19.
Recommended for: Anyone interested in meteor observing; just keep in mind uncertainties in predictions and don't expect to see any Leonids if you're watching before the radiant rises (11pm-midnight for most mid-northern locations).
Some years ago, when the teams of David Asher and Robert McNaught were making their groundbreaking predictions of Leonid storms and outbursts for the years 1999-2002, they also noted a possible outburst for 2006. This November, we'll find out whether that prediction comes true. On November 19, the Earth is due to pass through a trail of debris left by the Leonids' parent comet on one of its previous returns. A sharp peak of perhaps 100 Leonids/hour is expected, although there is a bit of uncertainty. If it occurs very near the predicted time of 4:45 UT, Europe and Western Africa will see the display during the favored morning hours. The East Coast of North America will see a bit of the display (maybe up to 25 per hour) as earthgrazing Leonids starting when the radiant rises at around 11pm. Depending on just how short and sharp this peak is, most of North America may be out of luck.
Thanks Cali Girl. I found another reference that basically states that if you watch to the East starting around 11PM on November 18th you should see some pretty good meteor activity - around 35 meteors per hour. I'll be watching... after a long day of travel geting there.
http://www.arm.ac.uk/leonid/2006/info2006.html
Cheers, Rick
http://www.arm.ac.uk/leonid/2006/info2006.html
Cheers, Rick
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
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California Girl
Rick - Neato jet! I have to get used to that latitude before I know what's where. I can't wait to get down there with a star map in my hand and see some things I can't see from So. Calif! You'll be in a good location to see this meteor shower. Keep looking up! 
(Of course now you have to include a meteor shower report in your trip report, ya' know!)
(Of course now you have to include a meteor shower report in your trip report, ya' know!)
Leonids a success
Meteor viewing was a success! We saw about 10 an hour on Saturday and Sunday nights. Once the kids went to bed and the lights were dim some of the streaks were impressive. The best viewing was from villa Le Lapin II on the hill between Hart Bay and Chocolate Hole.
Cheers, RickG
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI